About this role
Job SummaryThe Chemist will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST) in the Forensic Science Laboratories. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission. Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages
QualificationsTo qualify for the Chemist position at the GS-11 grade you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Basic 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. A 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. AND To qualify for this position at the GS-11, candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09). Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume. Specialized experience must include all of the below: Using wet chemistry and chemical procedures (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, etc.); AND Interpreting, evaluating and analyzing the results of analysis from chemical and instrumental examinations; AND Preparing laboratory reports on the activities conducted; AND Formal training or experience preparing for and providing expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations. OR EDUCATION: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (10/21/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.
Major DutiesThe major duties of the Chemist position include, but are not limited to, the following: Use ATF and laboratory policies, regulations, standard approaches, and methods to perform routine chemistry specific (explosives or fire debris) examinations. Perform examinations, which usually require both wet chemistry and instrumental procedures such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, etc. Prepare laboratory reports stating results of analysis. Provide expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations. Work with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.RequirementsThe requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Must be U.S. Citizen or National Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file. May be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.