Analytical and Physical Chemist

Precise Systems, Inc.•Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

7d•$76,709 - $115,064•Onsite

About The Position

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future. Precise Systems seeks an Analytical and Physical Chemist with 3-5 years of experience in determining the environmental fate of chemicals. This position supports the initial hazard assessment of emerging hazardous and toxic compounds by evaluating stability, transport and partitioning, degradation, persistence, physical, and chemical properties. The incumbent may also assess the environmental impacts, and hazards associated with toxic materials following dissemination or environmental exposure. Experience with thermal desorption, pyrolysis, gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) a plus. This position requires an emphasis of the chemical analysis of toxic compounds and their extraction from environmental samples. The role requires dedicated problem-solving, keen attention to detail, and a strong foundation in general laboratory skills. The successful applicant will possess a demonstrated aptitude for working both independently and in collaboration with other team members, as this position supports many scientists across the center, including chemists, biologists, chemical engineers, and material scientists. This role requires in-person support.

Requirements

3-5 years of practical laboratory experience.
Hands-on experience utilizing vapor pressure measurement methods, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography.
Proven experience in sample preparation techniques, particularly for complex matrices.
Strong general laboratory skills and direct experience with laboratory equipment maintenance.
Meticulous documentation in laboratory notebooks, authorship of technical reports, and drafting of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Ability to function effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
Effective time management skills; self-starter; attention to detail.
Ability to independently design and execute experiments; strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with thermal desorption, pyrolysis, gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) a plus.
A degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering, toxicology, materials science, or a related scientific discipline.
Experience conducting laboratory research involving hazardous materials, chemical analysis, environmental fate, chemical properties, or related technical areas.
Working knowledge of vapor pressure determination, chromatographic and mass-spectrometric analytical techniques, particularly GC-MS, LC-MS, and LC-MS/MS.
Experience preparing analytical standards, performing instrument calibration, and supporting quality-control or calibration-verification activities.
Ability to develop laboratory procedures, test plans, technical reports, and progress updates.
Demonstrated attention to laboratory safety, chemical inventory control, waste-management procedures, and documentation requirements.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical findings to customers and program stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Support new and ongoing research programs as a technical lead and research team member to meet program goals and objectives.
Routinely perform instrumental analysis and testing and controlled environmental-exposure experiments of known and suspected toxic compounds.
Analyze samples from a range of matrices—including vapor, soil, water, and tissue—for target compounds and degradation products using analytical instrumentation and methods such as: Thermal desorption, Pyrolysis, Gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Determine and evaluate chemical physical properties, including vapor pressure, solubility, density, viscosity, surface tension, flash point, thermal stability, partition coefficient, and acid dissociation constant.
Develop, revise, and maintain laboratory procedures (IOPs), SOPs, test plans, research documentation, and technical reports.
Support laboratory management activities, including equipment and supply inventory, chemical tracking, waste-disposal coordination, and maintenance of laboratory procedures and records.
Prepare monthly progress reports and maintain routine communication with program customers, stakeholders, and internal technical teams.