Microbiologist

This position is located in the Research Service at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital (Madison VA), a component of the VA Great Lakes Health Care System. The Madison VA Research Service represents a significant research enterprise within the Department of Veterans Affairs, hosting collaborative research activities dedicated to improving the health and outcomes of Veterans through rigorous scientific investigation, quality data collection, and sound laboratory methodology.

***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 3 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 noncompetitively converted to permanent employment. Major Duties: The position serves as a Microbiologist supporting clinical trials and basic science research projects. Conducts and Design Microbiological Research Experiments - 25% Prepares microbial and clinical samples for downstream sequencing applications, ensuring sample integrity and adherence to protocol-specific handling requirements for microbiological specimens. Designs and performs in vitro microbiological experiments in support of assigned research questions, exercising judgment in selecting appropriate techniques from among established microbiological methods. Collects, records, and monitors microbiological experimental data and test results, identifying anomalies or deviations from expected outcomes and escalating precedent-setting issues to the lab manager or Principal Investigator (PI). Operates and Maintain Microbiology Laboratory Equipment and Inventory- 25% Performs ongoing quality control checks on microbiology laboratory equipment to ensure proper function and data integrity in support of microorganism isolation, identification, and characterization work. Tracks inventory levels of microbiological media, reagents, and supplies and coordinates with the lab manager to place replenishment orders in a timely manner, ensuring continuity of ongoing microbiology studies. Reviews, Analyzes, and Reports Microbiological Data - 25% Summarizes microbiological data in the form of tables and graphs suitable for scientific presentation. Presents progress and results of microbiological studies at project specific meetings to update PIs and the lab team. Participates in Microbiological Methodology Development - 25% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of microbiological research methodology and materials. Adapts published microbiological methodologies for use in the laboratory setting and utilize instrument manuals and microbiological scientific literature to develop and troubleshoot experimental methods for microorganism isolation, identification, and characterization. Performs all duties as assigned. DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: M-F (8am - 4:30pm) Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Transcripts must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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: Work is performed in a microbiology laboratory setting and requires periods of standing while performing routine laboratory operations, including microbial sample handling and equipment operation. Some lifting and manual dexterity are required for laboratory tasks. The work does not require any special physical effort. 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) - 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.