Chemist

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of the DFS is to provide high‑quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

• Performs a full range of chemical tests of known and unknown samples in a laboratory which include, but are not limited to, analyses of controlled substances, toxic materials, and other substances of importance to the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Laboratory Program.
• Supports quality control and quality assurance for the drug chemistry laboratory, which involves participation in a Proficiency Testing Program.
• Assists with coordination or advisement of personnel in test procedures for analyzing components and physical properties of materials; confers with other scientists and chemists to conduct analyses of research projects, interprets the results, or develops non‑standard tests.
• Develops, improves, and customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods; complies with and analyzes test information to determine the process.

• Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework 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 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.
  • Specialized experience: experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.

None.

Works in a Biosafety Level III Public Health Laboratory. Certain areas will require inoculation to mitigate disease contraction, including specific physical examinations. Work involves regular and recurring exposure in a controlled environment to irritant chemicals and potentially infectious specimens. Required safety precautions include, but are not limited to, protective clothing (e.g., laboratory coats and gloves) and eye protection (e.g., safety goggles).

Tour of Duty: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday‑Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS‑1320‑11

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Type of Appointment: Career Service

Collective Bargaining Union: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3‑09, and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability: This position is designated as Safety Sensitive and is subject to mandatory pre‑employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre‑employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non‑emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations.

You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.