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
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov · (844)456-5208
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $61716 – $80249/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-27.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-21 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
Apply on official site →