Chemist-Direct Hire

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives • Atlanta, GA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chemist will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST) in the Forensic Science Laboratories. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission. Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.

Requirements

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• 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 A 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.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09).
• Specialized experience must include: Using wet chemistry and chemical procedures (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, etc.); AND Interpreting, evaluating and analyzing the results of analysis from chemical and instrumental examinations; AND Preparing laboratory reports on the activities conducted; AND Formal training or experience preparing for and providing expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.
• OR EDUCATION: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Use ATF and laboratory policies, regulations, standard approaches, and methods to perform routine chemistry specific (explosives or fire debris) examinations.
• Perform examinations, which usually require both wet chemistry and instrumental procedures such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, etc.
• Prepare laboratory reports stating results of analysis.
• Provide expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.
• Work with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree