Job Description

Chemist

RECRUITMENT ONLY

PURPOSE: Independently performs routine to moderately complex technical examinations and provides assistance to Forensic Examiners in the examination of evidence to include chemical analyses. Performs instrument calibration and maintenance consistent with TEDAC and FBI Laboratory Quality Assurance standards and policies, instruments and analytical equipment used by Forensic Examiners and other Chemists to conduct chemistry analysis and examination of evidence and forensic materials associated with IEDs. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Receives inventories and delivers evidence and maintains chains-of-custody. Coordinates movement of evidence among various technical specialties within the forensic laboratory and other entities in conjunction with chemical analyses. Photographs evidence.

• Performs routine to moderately complex analyses, tests, and examinations involving a variety of materials. Conducts assigned examinations and experiments utilizing well defined methods and a variety of scientific tools, equipment, instrumentation and techniques. Participates with senior examiners to decide the nature and extent of examinations to be conducted on more complex materials and items of evidence. Prepares detailed laboratory notes.

• Calibrates and maintains consistent with TEDAC and FBI Laboratory Quality Assurance standards and policies, instruments and analytical equipment used by Forensic Examiners and other Chemists to conduct chemistry analysis and examination of evidence and forensic materials associated with IEDs.

• Assigned to coordinate routine to moderately complex matters related to scope of analyses with other laboratory units, outside agencies, and related entities.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from an accredited university/college and shall have successfully completed course work (graduate or undergraduate) covering the following subject areas: the equivalent of thirty (30) semester hours covering the field of chemistry, six (6) hours in physics and course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus. Prefer one (1) year recent experience as a Chemist in an accredited laboratory. For three of the five (5) years immediately prior to applying for the specific contract position, the individual must have 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capability; or 3) be a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas. These individuals must, however, be United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens. Experience in using laboratory equipment and techniques required. Must have demonstrated experience in communicating results of scientific examinations both orally and in writing. Must have demonstrated experience in performing chemical analyses in a laboratory environment. Must be able to plan work and carry out work independently. Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of chemistry and analysis of material and chemical compounds. Knowledge of the characteristics and application of scientific equipment, instrumentation and tools to obtain data that is accurate and reliable. Must possess the ability to follow established methods and procedures when processing evidence. Knowledge of examination techniques and skill to perform analytical processes to obtain technical information about items of evidence. Must have the ability to identify moderately complex modifications of procedures and techniques to solve problems and/or improve the quality of results. Knowledge of laboratory scientific and administrative procedures required. Demonstrated skill in oral and written communications to include technical briefings related to examination results. Must have knowledge of Laboratory safety practices and skill in complying with safety requirements to perform functions safely. Specialized Requirements: (1) Must successfully complete and pass the FBI Laboratory/TEDAC training requirements. ( 2) Must successfully complete an FBI competency test within the time period as set forth by the FBI Laboratory/TEDAC program. At a minimum, the competency test will include: Examination of sufficient unknown samples to cover the anticipated spectrum of job duties and evaluation of his/her ability to perform suitable testing methods; and a written or oral examination to assess his/her knowledge of the discipline, category of testing, or task being performed. An active or reinstatable TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance is required for this position.