Biological Science Technician

Summary The position is located at the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Fort Collins, Colorado, the main research organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS).The position is concerned with the application of newly developed molecular biology-based genetic techniques to wildlife damage and wildlife disease management research. The incumbent functions as a biologist in the Wildlife Genetics Project. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Participates in a wide variety of multi-disciplinary laboratory studies designed to investigate genetic variability among wildlife species and diseases as assessed from various molecular markers. Extracts and further processes DNA from biological samples (animal tissues, blood, and non-invasive samples such as water, saliva, hair, fecal etic…). Observes strict adherence to separation of pre-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and post-PCR procedures. Performs a variety of specialized technical laboratory procedures, including extractions, PCR, cycle sequencing, metabarcoding library preparation, operating laboratory instruments for DNA genotyping. Performs routine maintenance on specialized lab equipment (ABI genetic analyzer; MiSeq; NextSeq). Complies with Good Laboratory Practices, Animal Welfare Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and applicable state and federal wildlife laws and regulations. Organizes raw data to facilitate various downstream statistical analyses and software packages. Performs basic statistical analyses on genotype data towards detecting population structure among wildlife populations and wildlife diseases. Assists Research Biologist (supervisor) in designing and conducting laboratory and field genetic research on a variety of wildlife species, and disease. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Tracked wildlife samples from receipt, through testing, to reporting using database software. Experience with database management is desirable. Must have performed specialized technical laboratory procedures, including DNA extractions from environmental DNA samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for analysis of environmental samples is required as well as basic analysis of data generated from these processes. Next-generation sequencing library preparation. Must have experience identifying, analyzing, and troubleshooting problems (optimizing, developing new assay) encountered with qPCR. Used mapping software to document wildlife samples collected and results from laboratory analysis. Used basic R coding capabilities and experience applying to population genetic analyses is desired. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. OR Combination of Education and Experience for GS-5 level positions, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-5. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.