Biologist

NOTE:  You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for the Research GS-11 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level defined as assisting laboratory research involving pollutant exposure on cell cultures and; analyzing experimental endpoints; and preparing scientific reports. 
• master’s or equivalent graduate degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

To qualify for the Research GS-12 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as conducting laboratory research involving pollutant exposure on cell cultures; analyzing research data; coordinating the operations of a research laboratory (i.e. responsibility for equipment, supplies, reagents, experimental samples, safety measures and/or quality assurance); and preparing scientific reports.
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

• Knowledge of laboratory research principles, practices and procedures in pollutant exposure on primary human airway epithelial cell cultures.
• Ability to plan and implement research experiments.
• Ability to apply the latest developments in pollutant exposure on primary human airway epithelial cell cultures to resolve problems.
• Skill in written communication to prepare reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Skill in oral communication.
• Knowledge of quality assurance procedures sufficient to perform quality assurance checks and validate methods.
• Skill in contract management.

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

*If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.