Department of Health and Human Services

Biologist

Hamilton, Montana Full time

Biologist

Department: Department of Health and Human Services

Location(s): Hamilton, Montana

Salary Range: $74678 - $116362 Per Year

Job Summary: 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! This position is with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, MT.

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.

Qualifications: 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/12899258

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 03/13/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Status Applicant, Reinstatement, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package. Complete the application questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12899258 Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application. In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later. We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov. If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact Global Jobs at globaljobs@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date. Visit our site for information on NIH's EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-13