Staff Chemist – Analytical Chemistry/GC-HRMS

MRIGlobal•Charlottesville, VA

6d•$84,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

MRIGlobal is seeking a Staff Chemist to join the Integrated Defense Solutions Business Unit in Charlottesville, Virginia. The role supports chemical forensics and analytical research using elemental analysis, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The successful candidate will provide strong technical expertise and scientific judgment while contributing to a collaborative laboratory team. The Staff Chemist will support and lead research and development laboratory activities, ensuring compliance with applicable federal program requirements, quality assurance practices, safety requirements, and standard operating procedures. The position requires an understanding of spectroscopy and chromatography theory, experience operating analytical instruments, and the ability to apply scientific judgment to solve complex problems and meet client expectations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. The position requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field; an M.S. in Chemistry or a related field and at least three years of related experience; a B.S. in Chemistry or a related field and six to eight years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The stated pay range is $84,000–$90,000, with compensation depending on factors such as responsibilities, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and market conditions.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field; or an M.S. in Chemistry or a related field with a minimum of three years of related experience; or a B.S. in Chemistry or a related field with six to eight years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and adaptability to changing priorities.
Ability to maintain complete, legible, and logically organized laboratory records and documentation.
PC skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project, and Outlook, and the ability to learn new software and systems.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a Department of Defense clearance.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Understanding of spectroscopy and chromatography theory.
Practical experience operating analytical instrumentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in connection with gas chromatography.
Experience maintaining laboratory compliance with applicable safety and security requirements.
Prior experience leading laboratory activities, technical projects, or scientific teams.
Experience reviewing laboratory records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable procedures.

Responsibilities

Direct or perform standard preparation, sample preparation, and sample analysis tasks.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation.
Develop and validate analytical methods.
Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Perform technical reviews of analytical data and reports.
Write or contribute to technical proposals, reports, and papers for publication or presentation, providing clear results and concise, well-supported conclusions.
Communicate with clients to provide updates and summarize testing results.
Support and lead research and development laboratory activities while following applicable federal program requirements, quality assurance practices, safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
Disability coverage.
Gym reimbursement and wellness resources, including virtual coaching, no-cost counseling, and onsite health screenings.
Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Award-winning employer retirement matches.
Paid parental leave.
Flexible culture that encourages work-life integration.
Tuition reimbursement for higher education.
Charitable giving and volunteer opportunities.
Seasonal staff events and DEI celebrations.