Chemist

Summary

Organizational

Location:

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations Support (OS, Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) in Savannah, GA;
Newark, NJ;
Houston, TX; and Ashburn, VA.

This position starts at a salary of $50,460.00 (GS-7, Step
1) to $80,243.00 (GS-9, Step 10) with promotion potential to $116,362 (GS-12, Step 10). See locality pay tables by geographic area for salary adjustments.

• Perform chemical and physical tests, forensic analyses, and WMD detections on samples of imported merchandise or seized materials submitted to the laboratory.
• Analyze assigned samples in the laboratory or in the field, developing identity, grade, and composition information regarding origins and methods of manufacture, using wet laboratory procedures or advanced analytical instrumentation.
• Receive samples, review background material, conduct preliminary examination of samples, and determine information needed to satisfy submitting officers’ requests.
• Provide general advice to CBP employees on sampling and sample storage procedures, analytical methodology, instruments, and problems associated with analyzing samples, and offer solutions.
• Organize and write test reports and briefings, articulating technical findings, interpretations, and conclusions.
• Write technical reports and papers describing laboratory work in compliance with the LSS Quality system.
• Appear as a witness in court proceedings or provide technical assistance in prosecution cases.

• Must be a U.S. citizen; male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must register with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Pass a background investigation and comply with CBP drug testing procedures.
• Adhere to CBP’s ethics rules and standards applicable to all executive branch employees.
• Complete required pre‑employment processes conducted in English.

• Education Requirements:
  • Physical, life, or engineering sciences bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by differential and integral calculus coursework, and at least 6 semester hours in physics.
  • Or equivalent education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics and physics, plus appropriate work or graduate‑level experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; or one full year of graduate‑level education from an accredited institution.
• Experience Requirements:
  • GS‑07: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (e.g., chemist trainee performing routine analyses, assisting higher‑level chemists, instrument maintenance, data interpretation).
  • GS‑09: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (e.g., advanced chemist trainee selecting test samples, performing preliminary chemical analysis, computing and applying correction factors, plotting predictive values).
• Applicants must submit documentation (college transcripts, certificates, or proof of training) to verify qualifications before the Final date to receive applications (05/28/2026).

• The recent graduate program is a one‑year development program with orientation, mentorship, individual development plan, and at least 40 hours of formal training each year.
• Recent graduates are not eligible for promotion during the program; promotion may be considered after successful completion, subject to OPM qualification requirements.
• Reasonable accommodation requests for disabled persons must be submitted prior to the USA‑Hire competency‑based assessments.
• CBP participates in E‑Verify to confirm eligibility of new hires.
• CBP is an equal‑opportunity employer; see EEO statement for details.