Summary
The incumbent of this position serves as a biologist and senior research assistant in support of the research activities of the laboratory, providing assistance to one or more senior investigators by performing laboratory experiments in support of biomedical research programs and projects. They are responsible for exercising independent judgment in performing a full range of responsibilities in support of the ongoing research of the laboratory. This is a Term appointment not-to-exceed 4 years.
Duties
- Perform experiments in accordance with protocols. Critically analyze results to determine whether data generated is accurate and meets the goals of the experiments.
- Investigate research objectives relevant to the overall goals of the laboratory. Locate and review the literature pertinent to the project to identify the most applicable protocols and methods.
- Assume major responsibility for the planning and development of experiments and experimental protocols.
- Select and order specific experiment materials, including specific kinds and amounts of animals, media, buffers, reagents, and tissue samples.
- Collect, organize, and record experimental data in a form suitable for publication.
- Carry out complete analyses of data, applying standard statistical methods such dispersion, analysis of variance, and regression and correlation analysis.
- Responsible for the organization and maintenance of research laboratory.
- Ensure that laboratory equipment is available when needed, is properly calibrated and in working order. Performs routine, and in some cases sophisticated, maintenance and repair of equipment.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
- Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
- Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Position requires Education, please submit transcripts.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position, you must have:A. Completed the requirements of a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university;
OR
B. a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position,
AND
appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.
In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position at the GS-09 level, you must have:
A. completed 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree;
OR
B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: performing experiments in accordance with approved methods and procedures ; preparing detailed plans for experiments and procedures to be performed; analyzing experimental data and drawing tentative conclusions and using and maintaining a variety of laboratory instruments and ensuring laboratory equipment is calibrated and in working order;
OR
C. a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position at the GS-11 level, you must have:
A. 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree;
OR
B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: recommending methods and assisting the scientist in designing the experiment; analyzing and interpreting data from laboratory experiments; assisting in the preparation of research papers by preparing materials and methods and results sections ; and using and maintaining a variety of laboratory instruments and ensuring laboratory equipment is calibrated and in working order;
OR
C. a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.
Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply:
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
The position(s) advertised in this announcement are covered by a direct hire authority. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants, including category rating, does not apply to this vacancy. You will be initially evaluated against the basic qualifications only. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration in accordance with the . Veterans' Preference does not apply to positions covered by a direct hire authority.
To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the and the , you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.
Required Documents
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS
RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the r. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
- Job title
- Name of employer
- Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
- Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
- Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
- Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: , , and the .
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.
Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR CAREER TRANSITION CLAIMS
Visit our websites to claim selection priority through the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):
- CTAP:
- ICTAP:
Please do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from .
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
