Biologist - Research
Summary
The position works as a Biologist in Research and Development Service at the VA Medical Center in Dayton, OH, conducting Merit Review research under active Merit Review.
NOTE: This is a part-time position (5 hours per week). The salary listed represents full-time employment and will be pro-rated based on the actual number of hours worked each pay-period. Likewise, benefits and time-off accrual will also be prorated and based on your part-time work schedule.
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Duties
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***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
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Physical Requirements:Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform portions of the work. However, there is periodic walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as medical records, instructional material, books and manuals. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ([click to reveal website link]). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
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 [click to reveal website link].
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: [click to reveal website link]. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: [click to reveal website link].
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: 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.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 80 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at [click to reveal website link].
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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.