Launch Your Career as a Biological Science Laboratory Technician at the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines scientific rigor with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Portland, Oregon, is currently hiring for a Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal). This role is essential for supporting the research and development programs that improve the lives of our nation’s Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Laboratory Technician, your primary responsibility is the health and welfare of research animals. Your daily duties will include:

Providing food, water, and specialized diets to animals.
Monitoring animal behavior and health, documenting any changes for researchers.
Maintaining strict sanitation and census records.
Operating specialized equipment like autoclaves and cage washers.
Assisting research staff with procedures and maintaining laboratory equipment.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following baseline requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Documentation: Full documentation of experience, including hours worked per week.
Vaccinations: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is mandatory.
Physicality: Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs and perform repetitive motions.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-5 Level	GS-6 Level
Experience Requirement	1 year of related experience	1 year of specialized lab experience
Complexity of Work	Limited scope, guided tasks	Advanced tasks, monitoring compliance
Education Substitution	Bachelor’s degree or 24+ semester hours	9 graduate hours (1/2 year)

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $43,892 to $63,605 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level.

Benefits

Working for the VA offers a robust package, including:

Competitive federal health and life insurance.
Retirement plans (FERS and TSP).
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Predictable work-life balance.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or shorter. This is a strict federal requirement.
Detail Your Experience: Be explicit about your duties. We cannot make assumptions about your skills; list your responsibilities clearly.
Use PDF: Always upload your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays clean for the automated review system.

If you are a dedicated professional looking to apply your skills in a setting that supports research and honors our Veterans, this role in Portland is an excellent opportunity to start your federal career. Apply before the closing date to be considered.

Why This Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) Job Matters

Join the VA research team in Portland and directly contribute to the mission of caring for those who served our nation while advancing vital laboratory science.

Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a detail-oriented Biological Science Laboratory Technician to join the Research and Development department in Portland, Oregon. This role focuses on the essential care, safety, and well-being of research animals within a controlled environment, ensuring that research protocols are met with precision and compassion.

Requirements for Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to perform physical tasks, including standing for long periods and lifting up to 60 pounds.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Ability to work in an animal laboratory setting with potential exposure to research conditions.

Preferred Qualifications for Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 or GS-5 level, involving animal husbandry in a controlled environment.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, animal husbandry, or agriculture.
Graduate-level education in related scientific disciplines for GS-6 eligibility.
Proven experience with animal restraint, clinical assistance, and maintaining regulatory compliance records.
Familiarity with aseptic techniques and Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) requirements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance coverage.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement benefits.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Generous paid time off and leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for within-grade salary increases.
✓Flexible scheduling options where applicable.

💡 How to Apply Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessment when prompted via email.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and veteran preference documentation (if applicable).
Ensure your submission is completed by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the official USAJOBS resume builder for formatting accuracy.
Be specific about hours worked per week; a full-time year is defined as 35-40 hours per week.
Prioritize recent and relevant experience, keeping the narrative concise and results-oriented.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and pagination.
Monitor your email, including spam folders, for USA Hire assessment links.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appointment type for this position?

This is a Term appointment not-to-exceed 4 years, which allows for benefits similar to permanent positions.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, federal policy requires resumes to be two pages or less for this position; longer resumes may result in disqualification.

What if I require a reasonable accommodation for the assessment?

Requests for reasonable accommodations for the USA Hire assessment must be submitted and adjudicated before you begin the testing process.

Is this a permanent position?

*A: This is a term appointment, which may last up to 4 years.*

Can I apply if I don't have a degree?

*A: Yes, if you possess sufficient specialized experience that aligns with the duties described in the announcement.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We serve those who have served our country. Working for the VA means more than just having a job; it means being part of a community dedicated to compassionate, high-quality care and cutting-edge research.