Chemist

Geological Survey; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Region, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Lakewood, Colorado.

Salary: GS-12: $99,800 (Step 01) to $129,742 (Step 10). The incumbent will perform geochemical analyses on petroleum-related materials and environmental samples, operate and maintain advanced analytical instrumentation, and ensure data quality within the Laboratory Information Management System.

Responsibilities

• Performs various geochemical analyses on geologic and environmental materials (e.g., petroleum, extracts, rocks, sediments).
• Submits and validates data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Operates and maintains instrumentation such as gas chromatographs, isotope-ratio MS, GC-MS, carbon analyzers.
• Follows SOPs and trains others as needed.
• Develops and documents method modifications under Quality Management System requirements.

Job description

Open: September 14, 2026 — Closes: September 18, 2026

Summary

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Region, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Lakewood, Colorado. Salary: GS-12: $99,800 (Step 01) to $129,742 (Step 10).

Major Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Performs various geochemical analyses on geologic and environmental materials (e.g., petroleum, extracts, rocks, sediments) submitted to the Petroleum Geochemistry Research Laboratory (PGRL). Submits and validates associated data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Independently operates and maintains instrumentation, such as gas chromatographs, stable isotope-ratio mass spectrometers, gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers, and carbon elemental analyzers. Follows established standard operating procedures and trains others as needed. Develops and documents method modifications as needed following Quality Management System requirements. Develops new techniques and procedures that support petroleum geochemical studies as needed. Prepares, submits, and disseminates reports that document the development and implementation of these new methods. Maintains documentation, such as logbooks, scientific notebooks, and maintenance logs, as specified under the Quality Management System. Operates a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.