Summary This position is located on USDA - ARS - US Meat Animal Research Center - Nutrition, Growth & Physiology Unit. The mission of the Nutrition, Growth and Physiology Research Unit is to provide dependable and affordable sources of protein by generating scientific based knowledge, resources, and technologies to optimize the efficiency of livestock production. Responsibilities Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory or field Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory or field environment, common to the assigned area of work Keeps and maintains detailed records of experimental data. Locates and compiles data and other information from various sources Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages Performs the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GS-05 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience for GS-5 includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level; or its non-Federal equivalent. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Experience helping conduct biological research by collecting and entering biological data related to animal science, biochemistry, biology, nutrition, and/or reproduction. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such biology, chemistry, statistics, animal husbandry, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled such as Endocrinology, Neurobiology, Animal Science, Reproduction, Nutrition, Chemistry, or Microbiology. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-6 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-5 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, some examples of specialized experience are: Research activity in the field or laboratory and; Operating specialized equipment for collecting and evaluation of microscope images and; Performing immunoassays to determine the concentration of hormones and metabolites in biological samples. OR Education: One year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, Physiology or other related degrees provided that the coursework place an emphasis on biological systems of animals. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.