Chemist - Entry Level

Battelle; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed work schedule

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid time off

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Chemist – Entry Level for a full-time role in Washington, DC. You will join a multidisciplinary team supporting a large government contract with routine and non-routine lab analyses of environmental samples and threat characterization.

You will execute established methods, prepare and handle samples, operate instrumentation, document results, and contribute to timely, accurate outputs while adhering to procedures, quality standards, and chain-of-custody requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 20 semester hours in biochemistry, chemistry, or related field.
• Two+ years of professional experience performing sample analysis under SOPs.
• Ability to conduct laboratory experiments per written procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work in a team.
• Medical fitness to wear PPE and lift up to 25 pounds; travel may be required.
• U.S. citizen with Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine lab procedures with guidance from senior scientists.
• Support development or adaptation of analytical methods.
• Work under ISO 17025 frameworks and follow SOPs.
• Troubleshoot sample prep and analysis with guidance.
• Prepare data tables, figures, and interpretations for reports and meetings.
• Interact professionally with clients and team members.
• Follow safety guidelines when handling hazardous materials.
• Assist with inventory, equipment maintenance, and scheduling.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Communication

Teamwork

Laboratory procedures

PPE safety

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree or 20 sem hrs in chemistry/biochemistry

Tools

ISO 17025

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Chemist – Entry Level. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Washington, DC. Joining a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, you will provide critical support to a large government contract by performing routine and non-routine laboratory analyses in support of environmental sample processing and threat characterization activities. Core responsibilities include executing established analytical methods, preparing and handling samples, operating analytical instrumentation, documenting results, and supporting data review and interpretation. You will contribute directly to timely, accurate laboratory output while adhering to approved procedures, quality standards, and chain-of-custody requirements. Please note this position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory procedures, including sample preparation and analysis, independently with guidance from senior scientists
• Support laboratory testing to develop new analytical chemistry methods and/or adapt published methods to new purposes
• Perform experiments in accordance with structured regulatory and quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 17025), following established Standard Operating Procedures
• Independently troubleshoot sample preparation and analysis methods with guidance from senior scientists
• Assist in preparing technical data tables, figures, and interpretations for reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and client meetings
• Interact professionally with internal and external clients, leadership, and team members
• Follow established safety guidelines when working with hazardous chemicals and infectious (RG2) materials
• Assist with materials inventory and ordering, equipment maintenance, and experimental scheduling

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or at least 20 semester hours of relevant coursework in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field
• At least two years of professional experience performing sample analysis using complex analytical chemistry techniques and following Standard Operating Procedures
• Proven ability to conduct laboratory experiments in accordance with written procedures
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Sufficiently medically fit to perform assigned laboratory duties, including the ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), lift up to 25 pounds, and work in proximity to hazardous and infectious materials
• Some domestic travel is possible but not anticipated
• This position requires a Secret security clearance. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and currently hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within laboratory quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025, 21 CFR Part 58 GLP)
• Experience drafting and executing experimental methods and procedures
• Active or previously held government security clearance

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $65,000 – $93,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.

No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.