Chemist- Operational Trainer

Signature Science, LLC; Charlottesville, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Signature Science, LLC seeks an experienced trainer to lead technical instruction in defense and national security courses for clients. The role covers chemical threat agents, fielded equipment, and decontamination methods, with a focus on safety and clear communication.

The candidate will develop materials, mentor staff, and deliver presentations at professional venues, while supporting Operational Solution projects in product development and field deployment.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to design and deliver technical presentations for the audience.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical instruction on chemical threat agents and explosive materials.
• Develop training materials and support packages for clients.
• Provide feedback on performance during exercises and scenarios.
• Prepare and deliver presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Write and review standard operating procedures and project documents.

Skills

Public speaking

MS Office

Safety documentation

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

B.S./B.A. in Chemistry or Biochemistry

M.S. in Chemistry or Biochemistry

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Position Purpose:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide lead technical instruction in the execution of training courses related to defense and national security offered to Signature Science clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver technical instruction and training on chemical threat agents and homemade explosives.
• Deliver training on presumptive and fielded equipment and detection systems to include but not limited to TruDefender, FirstDefender, LCD 3.3, MultiRae, XRF, and colormetric kits.
• Develop training materials and training support packages for clients
• Deliver training on personal protective equipment selection and decontamination methodologies.
• Participate in planning and execution of training scenarios
• Observe students and/or other groups participating in CBRNE exercises and provide verbal and written feedback on performance.
• Design and perform synthesis of CW precursors and homemade explosives.
• Mentor and train other staff members.
• Procure chemical inventory and maintain in an organized manner.
• Direct and/or conduct sample analysis using various analytical chemistry techniques.
• Develop test plans.
• Write and review standard operating procedures.
• Write project documents with little to no supervision.
• Brief clients and other relevant personnel on activities and results.
• Prepare and deliver presentations at professional conferences and meetings.
• Provide technical expertise and hands‑on support of Operational Solution projects and activities in the area of product development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to design and deliver technical presentations specific to the target audience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proficient with MS Office
• Attention to detail, and the ability to appropriately document work and adhere to safety protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple on‑going tasks efficiently and with little to no supervision.

• Preferred KSA’s
• Site exploitation and knowledge of clandestine laboratory activities.
• Proficiency in personal field expedient decontaminaton methods and techniques.
• Proficency in PPE seclection, use, and don/doff procedures
• Experience in chemical synthesis is a plus, particulary related to explosives and/or other hazardous materials.
• Experience providing technical training on CBRNE threats and analytical techniques is desired.
• Proficiency in analytical method development is desired.
• Basic understanding of IC/military organization and lexicon.
• Interest in product development to improve fielded technologies.

Education/Experience:

A B.S or B.A. in Chemistry or Biochemistry and at least 7 years of additional relevant work experience; a M.S. in Chemistry of Biochemistry with at least 5 years of additional relevant work experience; or a PhD in Chemistry or related field with at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

Certificates and Licenses:

None

Clearance:

A minimum of a Secret clearance is required for this position. The candidate must be able and willing to complete a successful background screening for a security clearance. Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Working Conditions/ Equipment:

The candidate is expected to work and/or be available during regular business hours. Extended work days and/or weekend work may be required during training events. Extended deployments to domestic locations is required during training events. The candidate is expected to work in a laboratory and/or field environment that will include working with chemical and environmental hazards. Domestic travel is required for up to 50% of the time. International travel may be required.

The above job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.