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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) - Without Compensation

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · New York, NY

  • On site
  • Part-time
  • New York, NY

Job highlights

  • Assist with animal research experiments and data analysis.
  • Perform cell culture and tissue staining.
  • Handle animal subjects and evaluate their well-being.
  • Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data.
  • Optimize lab protocols and train students.

About the role

Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

This position serves as a Without Compensation Research Biological Laboratory Technician (Animal) within the Office of Research and Development (ORD). The VA Research Program strives to promote Veteran-centered care to improve patient experiences and outcomes across VA healthcare and community settings - and to advance value-driven care by providing Veterans the highest quality care at the lowest financial burden.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 05/15/2026. You may qualify based on your experience as described below:

  • Assist with laboratory studies and data analysis.
  • Responsible for performing and assisting with laboratory experiments including cell culture and staining of tissue sections.
  • If parenthetical "Animal" may also perform: Perfusion fixation of rodents and processing brains for histological examination.
  • Genotype animals - assist with animal experiments - run DNA gels and western blots.
  • This includes gene delivery experiments - and genotyping of transgenic animals.
  • Help evaluate the health - well-being - and behavior of the animals before - during and after research experiments.

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 involves periods of prolonged standing as well as lifting of moderately heavy items. 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/.

Duties

Major Duties:
  • Experience performing and/or assisting with laboratory experiments including cell culture and staining of tissue sections
  • Research activity or control program work
  • Experience independently conducting experiments - data collection - analysis and interpretation
  • Experience learning and implementing standard lab techniques - in protocol
  • Optimize and troubleshoot existing protocols through literature search and colleague communication
  • Use animal tissues and cell cultures in approved methods
  • Training graduates and undergraduates students and collaborate
Work Schedule: Full-time (Without Compensation)

Key skills/competency

  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Cell Culture
  • Histological Staining
  • Animal Handling
  • Genotyping
  • DNA Gel Electrophoresis
  • Western Blotting
  • Data Analysis
  • Troubleshooting
  • Scientific Research

Skills & topics

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Biological Science
  • Animal Research
  • Cell Culture
  • Histology
  • Genotyping
  • Western Blot
  • Data Analysis
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Research Assistant

How to get hired

  • Understand the VA's mission: Research the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' commitment to Veteran-centered care and its impact on healthcare outcomes.
  • Tailor your resume: Highlight specific laboratory techniques, animal handling experience, and data analysis skills relevant to the Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician role.
  • Showcase volunteer experience: Clearly detail any volunteer work that demonstrates critical competencies, knowledge, and skills applicable to laboratory research.
  • Prepare for interview questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with cell culture, tissue staining, and animal well-being evaluation.

Technical preparation

Practice cell culture and tissue staining techniques.,Familiarize with animal handling and ethical guidelines.,Review DNA gel and Western blot procedures.,Understand data collection and analysis methods.

Behavioral questions

Describe a challenging lab experiment you assisted with.,How do you ensure animal welfare during research?,How do you troubleshoot a failing protocol?,How do you manage multiple research tasks effectively?

Frequently asked questions

What is the compensation for the Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) position at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
This specific position is listed as 'Without Compensation,' meaning there is no direct pay associated with it. It is an opportunity to gain experience within the VA's Office of Research and Development.
What specific animal research duties are involved for the Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) role?
The role may involve perfusion fixation of rodents, processing brains for histological examination, genotyping animals, assisting with animal experiments, running DNA gels and western blots, and evaluating animal health, well-being, and behavior.
Can volunteer experience count towards the qualifications for the Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) position?
Yes, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs values all qualifying experience, including volunteer work. You will receive credit for volunteer experience that builds critical competencies, knowledge, and skills relevant to the role.
What are the physical requirements for the Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) position?
The position involves periods of prolonged standing and the ability to lift moderately heavy items. Candidates should review the OPM qualification standards for detailed physical requirements.
What is the application deadline for the Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) role?
The closing date for applications for this position is May 15, 2026. Ensure all requirements are met by this date.
What kind of laboratory techniques are expected for a Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) at the VA?
The role involves assisting with laboratory experiments, including cell culture and staining of tissue sections, running DNA gels, western blots, and potentially gene delivery experiments, all within approved methods for animal tissues and cell cultures.