Biologist - Research

Basic Requirement: Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences or a related discipline appropriate to this position. ~OR~ Combination of education and experience: Successful completion of education that included courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences or a related discipline appropriate to this position, plus I have appropriate experience or additional education.

The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work of the position, and is comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in biological sciences or a related discipline appropriate to this position.

In addition to the Basic Requirement above, to qualify for this position, you must meet the following Experience Requirement: Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position.

To be creditable, this specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service (GS-12).

Specialized experience is experience assisting in the design, development, implementation, management, and analysis of biological research projects and scientific studies, including coordinating research activities, supporting the development and execution of study protocols and methodologies, monitoring research progress, organizing and maintaining research data and associated documentation, and assisting with the evaluation and interpretation of scientific findings.

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 a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION NOTE: This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 4 Years). Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4).

Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition (up to the 4-year maximum).

The appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment MAJOR DUTIES: Designs, implements, and manages research studies and integrates electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, computational modeling, and translational approaches in both animal and human studies to uncover mechanisms of motor neuron dysfunction, neural injury, prosthetic control, brain-machine interface performance, and aging-related weakness.

• Assists the Principal Investigator (PI) in the execution of research projects, including the active Merit Review research study.
• Assists in the oversight of the research and laboratory operations, data management, and study team coordination.
• Prepares and submits competitive grant applications to secure funding from federal and non-federal sources.
• Develops and tests implementation, information systems and dissemination tools and strategies designed to improve the quality of veteran's care.

Collaborates with and supports (including project management) Research Service and affiliated investigators as they examine healthcare delivery data and work to translate evidence into practice within the VA. Prepares and submits, both independently and in collaboration with other scientists, research findings via submission of abstracts for peer review for professional meetings and original manuscripts to peer reviewed journals and submission.

Participates in other Research Service meetings, task forces and committees to encourage the development of research within Research Service. Performs tests and examination procedures for diagnostic, surveillance, experimental, and reference samples; independently develops, organizes, and executes scientific protocols; and ensures the appropriate conduct of tests to determine the viability or toxic reactivity of the specimen to external stimuli after isolation and purification.

Performs preliminary microscopic evaluations of specimens before and after experimental use to verify precise procedures using a high degree of laboratory expertise to determine the validity of results and the potential causes for invalid results.

Performs specimen analysis that requires knowledge of a variety of sophisticated research techniques including, but not limited to the following techniques: Western blot analysis, glucose tolerance testing in live animals, extraction of hormones and proteins from bone and other tissues, analysis of hormones via ELISA, RIA, and EIA, animal dissection and tissue preparation, cryostat sectioning of tissues, staining and microscopic examination of tissues, and testing of bone mechanical strength.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Irregular, based on the needs of the Service Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved