Student Trainee (Microbiology)

Full Job Description

The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed.

Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

To qualify for this position, you must meet BOTH the Pathway Internship Eligibility requirements as well as the minimum Qualifications for the position: To Be Eligible For An Appointment Under The Internship Program You Must Meet The Following Requirement: Student applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled.

Student Trainees must be in good academic standing, as defined by the institution they are attending.

Generally at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for undergraduate programs (cumulative; no rounding) and a 3.0 GPA for advanced degree programs.

Individuals must meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their Internship appointment.

(*NOTE: Certificate Program: This term is defined, in 5 CFR 362.102, and means postsecondary education in a qualifying educational institution equivalent to at least 1 academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.) To Qualify At The GS-04 Grade Level: Successful completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree.

If you are a student veteran, complete the questionnaire and submit documentation: DD-214, VA Letter, SF-15 if claiming 10-point Veterans' preference or DD-214 if claiming 5-point preference or VEOA eligibility (separated under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous service).

PROGRAM COMPLETION: This is an indefinite appointment.

Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be non-competitively converted to a term or career or career-conditional appointment, upon conversion this position has a full performance level of GS-12 depending on available vacancies.

The anticipated position may change based on the needs of the organization. Interns must qualify and meet the individual occupational requirements for the position.

Service in the Pathways Program confers no right to further employment in either the competitive or excepted service.

An agency wishing to convert a student must therefore execute the required action to do so within 180 days of successful completion of the degree and program requirements.

CONVERSION FROM STUDENT TRAINEE: Prior to conversion to a term or career or career conditional appointment, Student Trainees must satisfactorily complete all training, program, and educational requirements.

Be a U.S. citizen. Successfully complete academic course of study. Complete a minimum of 480 hours of work experience under the Internship Program. Complete 40 hours of mandatory AgLearn Training.

Maintain acceptable performance under the agency's approved performance management system. Receive favorable recommendation for conversion from supervisor.

Meet the OPM Qualification Standard for the anticipated position the Intern may be converted to. 0403 Microbiologist (target grade GS-12).

A 0403 Microbiologist position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met in order to qualify for this series.

Basic Requirements: Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.

OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Major Duties:

• These positions are Excepted Service appointments in the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS).
• OPHS provides the scientific leadership necessary for the support of science-based food safety programs and policies implemented to reduce foodborne illnesses and deaths.
• OPHS uses a scientifically-based risk assessment approach to focus on the potential human health outcomes of meat, poultry, and egg product consumption.
• As a Student Trainee (Microbiology), your duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
• Working closely with experienced microbiologists to assist with or support laboratory analyses.
• Receiving clear, specific, and detailed instructions as to the methods, procedures, and guidelines to use.
• Taking measurements and collecting information.
• Receiving, logging and preparing samples.
• Performing housekeeping tasks as needed and ancillary duties such as scanning forms, filing, stocking drawers.
• Learning to use a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and the ISO 17025 quality standards.
• Providing lab support by checking balances, taking and logging in lab environmental swabs, pumping media.
• Assisting in preparing media and autoclaving lab waste.