Research Chemist

Basic Requirements: Applicants must meet ONE of the following qualification requirements: (A). Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR (B). Combination of education and experience — course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualifications: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. GS-13: applicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade of GS-12 or equivalent band level of responsibility in the Federal Service which includes experience regarding the knowledge of principles, theories, and applied practices of cocaine and tropane alkaloid chemistry and how it relates to the manufacture of cocaine; demonstrating advanced professional knowledge of physical, chemical and instrumental techniques and methods of analysis used in chemical profiling of illicit substances; synthesizing and purifying substances and/or related internal standards in support of analytical methodologies; conducting independent and collaborative research; publishing research results in peer reviewed journals; and communicating, both orally and in writing, complex technical ideas, positions, and recommendations. GS-14: applicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade of GS- or equivalent band level of responsibility in the Federal Service which includes experience Regarding the knowledge of principles, theories, and applied practices of cocaine and tropane alkaloid chemistry and how it relates to the manufacture of cocaine; demonstrating advanced professional knowledge of physical, chemical and instrumental techniques and methods of analysis used in chemical profiling of illicit substances; synthesizing and purifying controlled substances and/or related internal standards in support of analytical methodologies; conceiving, planning and conducting independent and collaborative research related to the sourcing of cocaine; identifying significant avenues of new investigation and research; publishing research results in peer reviewed journals; representing the agency, as an authoritative expert on the topic of cocaine, participating in national and international committees, conferences, and public events; communicating, both orally and in writing, complex technical ideas, positions, recommendations and proposals before management and Federal agency officials. Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas: Chemistry Leadership Oral Communication Research Technical Competence Note: Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives will only be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.
This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administrator (DEA), Sterling, VA (SFL1) This position(s) primary purpose is to support the DEA Operational Support Division Office of Forensic Sciences Special Testing & Research Laboratory.