Biologist (Molecular)

Summary

If you are a talented, knowledgeable, and motivated individual with experience performing clinical laboratory testing in support of patient care, assisting senior clinicians and investigators, and performing experiments in support of research programs, consider joining the Department of Laboratory Medicine as a Biologist (Molecular) within the Hematology section.

Duties

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As a GS-0401-12, Biologist (Molecular), your duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs complex molecular biology tests related to the diagnosis of cancer and immune diseases employing molecular biology related techniques.
• Performs specialized and technically demanding analytical procedures for diagnostic and research purposes.
• Reviews and analyzes daily quality control data and takes the appropriate steps to ensure quality results.
• Interacts directly with patient care physicians in discussing the interpretation of test results and suggests follow up procedures which may help answer clinical questions.
• Troubleshoots instruments and test methods when necessary and documents corrective actions. Performs troubleshooting with minimal. support, seeking guidance from the supervisor or senior scientist as necessary, and assists with training in troubleshooting techniques.
• Investigates new solutions to methodological problems, analyzes testing systems, and devises alternative approaches when needed to guarantee quality results.
• Works with department leadership, senior investigators and technical staff to implement new or changing programs and policies (e.g., CLIA) including, but not limited to, changes in staffing, training, reporting, documentation and inspection requirements.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• If selected, you must pass a pre-employment medical examination, provide evidence of immunization, and be free from communicable diseases.
• Position requires Education, please provide transcripts.
• This position requires weekend hours, night shifts, regular and/or, holiday hours.
• This position has on-call or call-back requirements.
• This position is a Tier 1 emergency employee.
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Biologist (Molecular), GS-401-12 position, you must meet the following Education Requirements:

A. I have completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university.

OR

B. I have a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position,

AND

I have appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

In addition to the above basic requirement, in order to qualify for a Biologist (Molecular), GS-401 position at the GS-12 level, you must have:

1. 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that is directly related to the duties of this position;

OR

1. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: performing specialized analytical procedures for diagnostic and research purposes; assisting in developing procedures or establishing parameters for correlation of test results; interacting with patient care physicians to interpret test results and to suggest follow up procedures to help answer clinical questions; and performing troubleshooting of instruments and test methods and documenting corrective actions.

OR

1. A combination of post-baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply:

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

• This position is designated as a Tier 1 "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered a Tier 1 "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

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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

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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.

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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.