Without Compensation (WOC) Research Biological Laboratory Technician

The Biological Laboratory Technician performs a variety of routine entry-level laboratory support duties in a biomedical research environment. Major duties include but are not limited to:

• Preparing laboratory reagents buffers and media according to established protocols.
• Performing basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting aliquoting and measuring samples.
• Processing biological specimens including labeling recording and organizing sample inventories.
• Assisting in the setup calibration cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Following established laboratory safety procedures including handling chemicals and biological materials appropriately.
• Collecting recording and organizing experimental data in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Maintaining laboratory workspace cleanliness and compliance with biosafety standards.
• Supporting senior researchers by performing routine tasks that contribute to ongoing research activities.

Work Schedule: Intermittent (Without Compensation)

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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)
• Appointment is Without Compensation (WOC) and does not convey competitive status career tenure grade or salary.
• WOC appointees must comply with all VHA research safety requirements including biosafety training and laboratory regulations applicable to research duties.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 08/17/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

All applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the Biological Science Technician Series (0404) by satisfying one of the following:

1. Specialized Experience: Experience that demonstrates the ability to perform biological or biomedical laboratory support work. Examples include tasks such as preparing reagents pipetting recording experimental data processing biological samples maintaining laboratory equipment or performing routine laboratory procedures.

OR

2. Education:Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelors degree with a major in a biological chemical physical or related scientific field; OR at least 24 semester hours in any combination of scientific courses (biology chemistry physics mathematics agriculture etc.) of which at least 6 semester hours are directly related to the position.

OR

3. Combination of Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be qualifying. Education must include the minimum semester hours indicated above.

In addition to meeting the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) applicants must also have experience performing basic biological or biomedical laboratory procedures such as:

• Preparing reagents or solutions
• Pipetting and handling laboratory samples
• Processing biological specimens
• Maintaining laboratory equipment
• Collecting recording or organizing experimental data

Experience may be gained through coursework-based laboratory classes academic research projects internships volunteer work or paid work.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The work requires some standing walking bending carrying light items (e.g. laboratory supplies or sample trays) and typical laboratory hand/eye coordination. Personal protective equipment may be required.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at