Biological Science Technician

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Pacific West Area, Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, ID. In this position, you will work to improve genetics to enhance tuber quality, greater productivity and sustainability in western U.S. production. Works in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment to plant, harvest or evaluate plants during their life cycle. Maintains, calibrates, and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for data collection and evaluation procedures (e.g., microscopes, PCR machines, automated sequencers, tissue culture\chambers, pH meters, imaging systems). Performs molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR/Real-Time PCR, digital droplet PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, Molecular Markers, and DNA/RNA Extractions. Maintains records involving breeding, genetics, and virus research. Coordinates with farm personnel, staff sharing laboratory facilities and supervisor. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-08 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is participating in a research project related to agricultural crops or plant pathogens, analyzing research data related to agricultural crops or plant pathogens and conducting experiments involving molecular biological techniques. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include genetics, molecular biology, plant pathology, or plant sciences. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is collecting or analyzing plant, fungal or virus samples in a laboratory of field environment; recording and analyzing scientific data related to plants or plant pathogens; and operating specialized laboratory equipment. OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a Master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include genetics, molecular biology, plant pathology, or plant sciences. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.