Forensics and Drug Analytical Chemist

Summary The NIST Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) conducts measurement science research to benefit industries based in the chemical, biological, and material sciences, and contributes technical expertise to the development of standards. MML researchers perform fundamental and applied research, evaluate data, and create other programs and tools to assure the quality of measurement results. We're looking for a Forensics and Drug Analytical Chemist to join our team! Duties Help At the NIST Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), our measurement science research serves as the foundation for quality and innovation across the chemical, biological, and material sciences. We are looking for an independent, highly skilled researcher to join our team and tackle critical measurement challenges within the forensic chemistry disciplines of seized drugs and trace evidence. If you are a scientist who thrives in a highly equipped lab and is driven to create real-world solutions for the forensic community, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. In this position, you will: Plan and execute rigorous, self-directed research targeting complex measurement challenges in seized drugs and trace evidence. Utilize cutting-edge analytical equipment, applying both traditional chromatographic and ambient ionization mass spectrometry for precise qualitative and quantitative analysis. Utilize and refine the analytical techniques and methods actively used in modern forensic laboratories to ensure your research translates directly to the field. Bring your hands-on expertise to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment, keeping your research environment operating at peak performance. Bridge the gap between the lab and the real world by developing comprehensive documentary packages that allow forensic laboratories to validate and implement your new analytical methods. Act as a thought leader in your field by authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting your research findings at national and international conferences. Requirements Help Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper. If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations. Individual Occupational Requirements Basic Requirements: 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 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. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level (ZP-II for NIST). Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience assisting in the analysis of materials relevant to seized drugs and in trace evidence analyses using techniques and methods. Examples of applicable techniques and methods include: Advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment for qualitative and quantitative analysis Ambient ionization mass spectrometry methods for qualitative analysis Other analytical methods used in forensic laboratories and experience in assisting in the development of documented procedures for implementation of analytical methods in forensic laboratories. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Education This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a Trial period for the duration during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. This appointment may be extended up to six years without further competition. This term appointment may be converted to a permanent position without additional competition NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as: Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs 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. Help 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Created: 2026-03-13