Chemist (Instrumentation)

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operational Support Division, Office of Forensic Sciences, Special Testing and Research Laboratory. This position(s) primary purpose is to serves as an agency and international subject matter expert and technical leader in the application and development of laboratory instrumentation for the analysis of illicit drug materials to elicit critical information used by the forensic, intelligence, and enforcement communities.

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.

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php. If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.