Forensic Chemist: Fire Debris & Explosives Analysis

ATF; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

ATF is seeking a Chemist to work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST) within the Forensic Science Laboratories. The role provides highly technical chemical analysis to support the Bureau's mission and law enforcement responsibilities, including reporting results and testifying as an expert witness.

The position requires a chemistry-focused degree with strong analytical and laboratory skills, including wet chemistry and instrumental analyses, to examine explosives or fire debris

Qualifications

• Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with 30 semester hours in chemistry plus math through calculus and 6 semester hours of physics.
• Combination of education and experience meeting the above chemistry/physics requirements is acceptable.
• Specialized experience must include wet chemistry and instrumental analyses, interpreting results, and preparing laboratory reports.

Responsibilities

• Use ATF policies and standard methods to perform routine chemistry examinations (explosives or fire debris).
• Carry out instrumental procedures such as GC-MS, XRD, and IR spectroscopy.
• Prepare laboratory reports detailing analysis results.
• Provide expert witness testimony based on laboratory examinations.
• Collaborate with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and equipment for adoption.

Skills

Wet chemistry

Instrumental analysis

Laboratory reporting

Expert testimony

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical sciences/engineering with chemistry coursework

Tools

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

X-ray diffraction

Infrared spectroscopy

Job description

ATF is seeking a Chemist to work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST) within the Forensic Science Laboratories. The role provides highly technical chemical analysis to support the Bureau's mission and law enforcement responsibilities, including reporting results and testifying as an expert witness.

The position requires a chemistry-focused degree with strong analytical and laboratory skills, including wet chemistry and instrumental analyses, to examine explosives or fire debris