Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Summary About the Position: The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), a subordinate research laboratory under the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, is the lead medical biological defense research laboratory for the DOD Chemical Biological Defense Program. For additional information about USAMRIID and Fort Detrick, please visit http://usamriid.health.mil and http://www.detrick.army.mil. Learn more about this agency Duties Perform pathological research activities including electron microscopy sample preparation, immunohistochemistry, histological and diagnostic gross necropsies, conducted in Biosafety Laboratories Level 1-4, and Good Laboratory Practice environments. Review standard operating procedures to ensure proper assessment of risks associated with pathological research activities, including electron microscopy sample preparation, immunohistochemistry, As well as histological and diagnostic gross necropsies, conducted in BSL-1 to BSL-4 to include in regulated environments Serve as the biocontainment laboratory administrative coordinator and assist with general skills training of staff for safe conduct of research activities in BSL-1 to BSL-4 Responsible for ensuring compliance with all safety regulations in the biocontainment spaces. Other duties as assigned that align with the mission of the Risk Management Office. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required. Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirement. This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time. This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident. Employee may be subject to stand by and or on call duty; night and weekend duty including holidays; and irregular tours of duty. This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations. This position requires the incumbent to participate in the Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP). (See additional information) This position requires the incumbent to participate in the Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP). (See additional information) Qualifications USAMRIID is participating in an alternative personnel system known as the Personnel Demonstration Project (PDP). The DE-04 payband is equivalent to the GS-12 step 1 to GS-13 step 10 level. In keeping with the Demonstration pay fixing policies, employees earning a salary that falls within this payband equivalent, will not receive an immediate pay increase (promotion) if appointed to this position. Future pay increases within the payband will be accomplished through the pay for performance management system. Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: (1) Experience Providing histological and diagnostic gross necropsy support to scientific research personnel in a regulated laboratory environment; (2) Applying ancillary pathology techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural pathology (Electron Microscopy) in regulated laboratory setting; AND (3) Conducting inspections and training ensuring compliance with applicable regulations in Biological Safety Level 1-4 laboratory. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: BiologyScientific ResearchTechnical Competence Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Expand Hide  additional information 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. Benefits 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. Review our benefits 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.