Physical Scientist (Forensic Chemistry)

U.S. Army Medical Command • Fort Meade, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Direct Hire Authority solicitation under the DHA for STEM Positions, Cyber Security & Related position, to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to competitive-service positions. The Physical Scientist serves in the Confirmation Section of the Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory (FTDTL) at Fort Meade, Maryland, supporting the Department of Defense Drug Control Program.

The position applies physical science and chemistry knowledge to forensic drug-testing work. The incumbent evaluates chromatographic and mass spectral data and instrument performance, conducts specimen extraction and analysis, monitors laboratory quality and compliance, maintains analytical instruments, and troubleshoots methods and equipment. FTDTL certification is required at GS-11; at GS-9, the incumbent must obtain and maintain certification within six months of hire.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a bachelor’s or higher degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that includes at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; alternatively, qualifying equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-9, one year of specialized experience performing forensic laboratory duties under guidance, including extraction, derivatization, and GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis to confirm drugs in urine specimens; or the stated qualifying graduate education or combination of education and experience.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience performing forensic laboratory duties including extraction, derivatization, and GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis to confirm drugs in urine specimens; or the stated qualifying doctoral-level graduate education or combination of education and experience.
• At GS-11, possess and maintain FTDTL Certification through the Ft Meade Confirmation Section and provide a copy of the certification.
• At GS-9, obtain and maintain FTDTL Certification from the Ft Meade Confirmation Section within six months of hire.
• A suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation may be required.
• A one-year trial or probationary period may be required.
• Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education or receive full course credit at a U.S. accredited college or university.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure chromatographic and mass spectral data meet the assay’s quantitative and qualitative parameters.
• Follow FTDTL technical and forensic regulations to maintain proficiency certification by the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES).
• Evaluate GC-MS and LC-MS/MS instrumentation parameters to ensure proper instrument performance and resolve problems.
• Perform and document required GC-MS and LC-MS/MS maintenance, including evaluating tuning and instrument performance before batch analysis.
• Perform solid-phase extractions and derivatize drugs and drug metabolites from urine specimens, then conduct GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analyses while maintaining chain of custody.
• Monitor and review batch data for quality, technical proficiency, forensic compliance, and compliance with FTDTL Standard Operating Procedures.
• Troubleshoot extraction methods and GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analyzers to correct technical performance problems.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to employees and their families; eligibility depends on position type. Contact the hiring agency for details on specific benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level