As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician you are responsible for organizing and managing a wide variety of standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens using appropriate precautions to preserve sample integrity and reagent purity and to prevent cross-contamination.
Duties
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:
Receives diagnostic specimens for pathogen examination, reads history or specific requests of field personnel, selects appropriate test or identification procedure.
Prepare diagnostic reagents which include bacterial culture, histology preparations , entomology preparation, inoculation of cell cultures, animals, and embryonating chicken eggs.
Following a standard outline plans working details, makes measurements, and observes results of tests.
Assumes responsibility for conducting sections of developmental projects.
Takes references such as laboratory protocols, journal articles, or rough outlines from a professional and conducts virologic, bacteriological, parasitological, pathological or chemical techniques.
Recognizes problems in assignments and procedures, make pertinent observations, draw conclusions, and make suggestions for improvement.
Prepares accurate, written reports describing test procedures and results and summarizes findings.
Conditions of Employment
You must be a US Citizen or US National.
Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
Using laboratory equipment including computers in a sitting position for two consecutive hours is required.
There is a high noise level due to the air exhaust system (no recirculated air) and laboratory equipment used almost continuously such as centrifuges and freezers. Protective devices such as face masks and latex/nitrile gloves are used.
Periodically, the diagnostic workload during a disease outbreak may require considerable overtime
Regular duties may involve mandatory participation in rotating overtime work schedules, and import/export or other time-sensitive testing may be required in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays.
Immunization against diseases being studied which are transmissible to humans may be required.
Criminal Justice Information Services database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
Work in biosafety level 3 facilities may require long periods of working in containment and up to 70% of time in a Class II or Class III biosafety cabinet.
