Without Compensation (WOC) - Research Biological Laboratory Technician

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be considered for WOC appointments only when no qualified U.S. citizens apply, in accordance with VA policy and 38 U.S.C. § 7407.

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)

Conditions of employment

• 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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)
• 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.

Qualifications

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:

Basic Requirement - Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR)

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 bachelor's 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.

Specialized Experience

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 Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• Other (1)
• Resume
• Transcript

Next steps