Chemical Agent Analytical Chemist

Precise Systems, Inc.•Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

2d•$76,709 - $115,064•Onsite

About The Position

Precise Systems seeks a Chemical Agent Analytical Chemist with 3-5 years of laboratory experience. This position supports the initial hazard assessment of hazardous and toxic compounds by evaluating synthesis routes, physical and chemical properties, and stability. The incumbent may also assess the persistence, degradation, environmental impacts, and hazards associated with toxic materials following dissemination or environmental exposure. Experience with 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) desired, experience with thermal desorption and pyrolysis would be helpful. This position heavily emphasizes chemical analysis of toxic compounds and 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 spans multiple disciplines to include biologists, bioinformaticians, chemical engineers, and material scientists.

Requirements

3-5 years of practical laboratory experience.
Hands-on experience utilizing 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 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) desired, experience with thermal desorption and pyrolysis would be helpful.
Working knowledge of 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

Routinely participate in 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: 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), Thermal desorption, Pyrolysis.
Prepare analytical standards from known and suspected toxic compounds to support instrument calibration and calibration-verification requirements.
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, 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.