Forensic Chemist (Explosive)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 77,600 - 129,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plans

Insurance programs

Education and training assistance

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Forensic Chemist specializing in explosives to support mission-critical efforts for national defense. This role involves conducting chemical analyses, profiling explosive signatures, and collaborating with forensic teams. Candidates must have a relevant degree, certification, and experience in a recognized laboratory. Benefits include healthcare, retirement plans, and training assistance.

Qualifications

• Certified examiner in drug chemistry or explosives chemistry.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in an accredited lab.
• Current DOD Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical analysis on recovered materials.
• Conduct trace explosive signature differentiation.
• Evaluate samples for preparation techniques.

Skills

Technical explanation

Data quality implementation

Education

Degree in physical or life sciences

24 semester hours of chemistry coursework

Tools

Excel

spectroscopy

gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

Job description

Overview

Are you a Forensic Chemist looking for an exciting opportunity? We are looking for a Forensic Chemist who specializes in explosives to join our team and provide mission-essential support for our nation's War Fighters.

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical analysis of recovered materials to detect and identify compounds present to include: explosives, homemade explosive pre-cursors, solvents, acids, bases, drugs, and other hazardous materials.
• Differentiate trace explosive signatures from contamination and background.
• Provide information to assist in profiling and signature analysis.
• Perform appropriate presumptive and confirmatory analyses utilizing the following: colorimetric tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and other instrumentation or techniques as available.
• Evaluate samples to determine appropriate sample preparation techniques: solvent extraction/filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, solid phase micro-extraction, headspace extraction.
• Understand, and strive to implement, data quality and reporting guidelines established within the professional forensic community, Properly utilize reference standards (when available) to support the highest degree of confidence available in reported results.
• Perform instrument troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Develop and validate analytical techniques to accommodate emerging chemical analysis requirements.
• Interact and collaborate with other group/team members and other forensic staff to ensure a high quality and accurate product.

Qualifications

• Proficient in use of excel/spreadsheets and other data bases.
• Ability to explain technical subject matter to non-technical audience.
• Degree from an accredited college or university in physical or life sciences with a minimum of 24 semester hours of chemistry coursework.
• Completion of formalized training program and subsequent performance as certified examiner within drug chemistry, trace analysis, explosives chemistry or related discipline.
• Four (4) years of experience working in an accredited laboratory as a certified examiner.
• Experience working within a CEXC, WTI, C-IED Team, DTK Lab, JEFF, TEDAC facility, other NGIC, DIA or ATF Lab; interagency or state/local law enforcement environment is preferred but not required.
• Current DOD Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $77,600.00/Yr. - USD $129,600.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status