Chemist (Instrumentation)

As a your typical work assignments may include:

• Serving as a lead scientist in instrumental analysis as it relates to operating and monitoring a specific category of laboratory instrumentation (mass spectrometry (MS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) separation technology and spectroscopic techniques)
• Serving as the point of contact for implementation of new testing procedures instrumentation or methodologies across DEA.
• Assisting as needed in the elucidation and interrogation of unknown substances received from the field foreign and domestic laboratories and acting as the agency consultant in matters of difficult referral cases from state and local law enforcement entities.
• Presenting testimony in court proceedings based on laboratory findings and applications of the technology.
• Developing planning and conducting new research projects that investigate critical and/or difficult problems in a specialty area.

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit: Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see employees must undergo a medical examination and be physically and medically capable of performing the essential duties of the position efficiently and without hazard to themselves or to others.
• Periodic medical examinations are provided to employees to ensure continued ability to perform essential job functions efficiently and without hazard to self or others.
• The work environment involves moderate/increased risk and discomfort that requires normal safety precautions typical of places such as laboratories warehouses and secure office spaces.
• The chemist uses protective clothing or gear such as laboratory coat safety glasses/googles face shield N95 or other respirators and plastic gloves

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.

Basic Qualification Requirements:

1. 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.