Laboratory Researcher

Summary

Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. You will assist National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) with supporting laboratory research focused on the genetic regulation of cochlear development and the biological processes involved in hearing.

Duties

This vacancy announcement will be open from Monday, September 21, 2026 to Friday, September 25, 2026 or when 25, etc., applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Support laboratory research on genetic regulation of cochlear development and the biological processes involved in hearing Assist with research activities, data collection, and laboratory procedures related to auditory and developmental biology research Requirements

Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must: - Must be a U.S. Citizen - Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. - Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. - Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. - Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Federal agency and your academic institution. - Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. - Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. Qualifications

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs

Education

To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification. How You Will Be Evaluated

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13034990 You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Benefits

This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.