Biological Science Laboratory Technician - Research Laboratory & Committee Manager

Job Overview

This position is located within the Research and Development Service at the G. V. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of specialized and complex procedures in support of research protocols and to provide administrative oversight of the Research and Development Committee.

The primary responsibilities include performing specialized research activities, preparing tissue and specimen samples, maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, and records, and ensuring institutional compliance with animal model, record keeping, husbandry, and compliance requirements.

• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  At least one (1) year of specialized experience equatable to a GS‑8 grade level in the Federal Service. This experience must be related to laboratory work dealing with animal models, record keeping, husbandry, and institutional compliance. Acceptable areas include research activity, control program work, nursery work requiring growth and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment, large dairy farm production records, preparing tissue and specimen samples, and maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment.

  NOTE:
  
  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

• Education: Successfully completed a master’s degree or two (2) full years of graduate education leading to such a degree in a field of study directly related to this position (e.g., biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related biological science). Education must be obtained from an accredited college or university.

  NOTE:
  
  If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

• Combination: A combination of successfully completed graduate education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience as described above to meet the total qualification requirements for this grade level.

  NOTE:
  
  If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

• Strong academic background in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related biological science.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory techniques such as protein purification and analysis (column chromatography, SDS‑PAGE), molecular methods (PCR, DNA extraction), HPLC (analytical and preparative), and histological methods (tissue processing, microscopy, confocal microscopy).
• Experience with laboratory animal research (e.g., mice, rats, zebrafish, or Xenopus), including animal husbandry and management of genetically modified colonies.
• Appreciation of laboratory compliance requirements, including protocol submission, laboratory safety, and animal research regulations.