Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foodborne Toxins Detection & Prevention Research Unit in Albany, CA. In this position, you will participate as a team member with scientists in all phases of a research process. You will also provide input into the initial planning of experiments. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years. Responsibilities Adapt, modify, or develop new techniques or procedures to satisfy the needs of a molecular biology-related research project. Maintain records and locate and compile data from various sources. Search for literature pertinent to the research project for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Maintain, calibrate, and modify complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data using personal computers and software packages. Select appropriate methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion. 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. 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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting and evaluating mammalian (e.g., human and mouse) tissue cultures, cell lines, or in vitro cell cultures; utilizing molecular biology techniques such as antibody-based labeling or aseptic techniques in a laboratory; handling mouse or animal samples in a laboratory; collecting, growing, or preserving bacteria; and analyzing, evaluating, and preparing reports to summarize research progress and results. 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 Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Parasitology or Biology. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).