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Posted: February 23, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Biologist

National Institutes of Health

Department of Health and Human Services

Fresh

Location

Salary

$77,983 - $133,142

per year

Closes

March 4, 2026More NIH jobs →

GS-4 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $30,286 - $39,372

Typical requirements: 1 year general experience. 2 years college or associate degree.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level biologist position at the National Institutes of Health involves assisting senior scientists with lab experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining equipment to support health-related research in Baltimore.

It's ideal for motivated recent graduates or those with some lab experience who enjoy hands-on scientific work in a government setting.

The role offers a chance to contribute to important medical studies while building skills in a collaborative environment.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related field from an accredited institution
  • For GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent, or 3 years of graduate education leading to Ph.D., or 1 year specialized experience at GS-09 level (e.g., recommending experiment methods, data analysis, assisting with research papers, maintaining lab instruments)
  • For GS-12: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11 level (e.g., developing experiments, investigating research objectives, statistical data analysis, writing reports for publication, operating sophisticated lab instruments)
  • Combination of education and experience demonstrating skills in biological research and lab techniques
  • Ability to perform experiments per protocols, critically analyze results, and ensure data accuracy
  • Experience investigating research objectives and preparing research materials
  • U.S. citizenship or eligibility for federal employment (implied for NIH positions)

Full Job Description

If you are an exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, and motivated individual with experience in providing laboratory assistance to one or more senior investigators, performing various laboratory experiments in support of research programs, AND you want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the NIH!

In order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position, you must have: A.

completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university; OR B.

a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position, AND appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position at the GS-11 level, you must have: A. three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.

degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR B.

one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: (1) Recommending methods and assisting the scientist in designing the experiment; (2) Analyzing and interpreting data from laboratory experiments; (3) Assisting in the preparation of research papers by preparing materials and methods and results sections; and (4) Using and maintaining a variety of laboratory instruments and ensuring laboratory equipment is calibrated and in working order; OR C.

a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist, GS-0401 position at the GS-12 level, you must have: one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: (1) Developing, planning, and implementing scientific experiments and experimental protocols; (2) Investigating research objectives; (3) Analyzing research data by using statistical methods such as dispersion, analysis of variance, regression and correlation analysis; (4) Writing reports, analytical interpretations conclusions, or recommendations, typically for scientific publication; and (5) Calibrating and operating sophisticated laboratory instruments to conduct tests and analyses.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating.

Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy.

Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time.

Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12879501 Major Duties:

  • Perform experiments in accordance with protocols. Critically analyze results to determine whether data generated is accurate and meets the goals of the experiments.
  • Investigate research objectives relevant to the overall goals of the laboratory. Locate and review the literature pertinent to the project to identify the most applicable protocols and methods.
  • Assume major responsibility for the planning and development of experiments and experimental protocols.
  • Select and order specific experiment materials, including specific kinds and amounts of animals, media, buffers, reagents, and tissue samples.
  • Collect, organize, and record experimental data in a form suitable for publication.
  • Carry out complete analyses of data, applying standard statistical methods such dispersion, analysis of variance, and regression and correlation analysis.
  • Responsible for the organization and maintenance of research laboratory.
  • Ensure that laboratory equipment is available when needed, is properly calibrated and in working order. Performs routine, and in some cases sophisticated, maintenance and repair of equipment.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/23/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: NIH-GR-DH-26-12879501