Biologist

Summary

If you are an exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, and motivated individual with experience in providing laboratory assistance to one or more senior investigators, performing various laboratory experiments in support of research programs, AND you want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the NIH!

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Duties

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• 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

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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 - submission of transcripts is highly encouraged.
• If selected, you may work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, subject to the terms of the NIH Biological Surety Program. NIH BSP requirements include:
• Initial/annual medical qualification screenings; Initial/annual behavioral health screenings; Pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion drug testing; and an ANACI background investigation. See Additional Information section for details.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position, you must have:

A. completed the requirements for 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-11 level, you must have:

A. three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR

B. one (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: (1) Recommending methods and assisting the scientist in designing the experiment; (2) Analyzing and interpreting data from laboratory experiments; (3) Assisting in the preparation of research papers by preparing materials and methods and results sections; and (4) 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-12 level, you must have:

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: (1) Developing, planning, and implementing scientific experiments and experimental protocols; (2) Investigating research objectives; (3) Analyzing research data by using statistical methods such as dispersion, analysis of variance, regression and correlation analysis; (4) Writing reports, analytical interpretations conclusions, or recommendations, typically for scientific publication; and (5) Calibrating and operating sophisticated laboratory instruments to conduct tests and analyses.

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 or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

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 application questionnaire before you apply:

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

• This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.
• NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active-duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed individual may receive a recruitment incentive. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biological Surety Program (BSP) requires successful completion of the following: A Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment:

º Initial and annual medical qualification assessments held by the NIH Occupational Medical Services.º Initial and annual behavioral health screenings, including qualification assessments held by the NIH Behavioral Health Screening Official

º A deemed export review per 15 CFR 734.8(c)

º An annual Collective Foreign Threats Screening

º Initial and recurrent safety and biological safety training provided on the job

º This is a Tier 3 noncritical sensitive National Security position and an Access National Agency Check Inquiry (ANACI), backgroundinvestigation is required

§ For more information about NIH BSP please visit

§ A complete list of Select Agents and Toxins can be found at

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.