Chemist (Forensic)

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Forensic Sciences Laboratories A Senior Forensic Chemist conducts visual, physical, chemical, photographic, and other scientific and instrumental examinations, as needed, of complex submissions of physical evidence to form an opinion by application of professional and scientific knowledge in the primary area of forensic drug chemistry and other trace evidence materials. For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. Because education is a mandatory requirement, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application. Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet one of the following requirements: Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level. Specialized 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. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

Basic Requirements:

Applicants must meet ONE of the following qualification requirements: (A).

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 (B). 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.

Minimum Qualifications :

In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. GS-13 : applicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade of GS-12 or equivalent band level of responsibility in the Federal Service which includes experience regarding the knowledge of forensic drug chemistry and other trace evidence materials. Abilities to conduct the full range of forensic examinations in chemistry to identify contraband material and manufacturing sources, operational methodologies, and personal identifications in support of criminal investigations. Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook .