Laboratory Scientist – Chemistry & Materials Testing Support

FedWriters, Inc.; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

FedWriters, Inc. is seeking a Laboratory Scientist to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection laboratories and scientific services.

You will assist with lab operations, testing, data analysis, and documenting procedures to ensure reliable support for a mission-critical border security program. The role is full-time and on-site, with schedules Monday–Friday, in Ashburn, VA or Washington, DC, and requires an Active Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical science, materials science, forensic science, biology, environmental science, engineering, or a related scientific/technical discipline.
• 0–10 years of relevant experience supporting laboratory operations, scientific testing, technical programs, equipment management, or applied research and development.
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, scientific methods, data collection, and technical documentation.
• Ability to analyze and summarize scientific/technical data using Microsoft Excel or similar tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams (chemists, physicists, engineers, logisticians, program managers, data analysts, field operators).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Active Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory operations, including test preparation, sample handling, equipment setup, data collection, and recordkeeping
• Assist in planning, executing, and documenting laboratory, pilot, and field tests for interdiction technologies
• Help develop and review test plans, test reports, standard operating procedures, and technical procedures
• Analyze laboratory and field test data, summarize findings and prepare recommendations for government review
• Support inventory and asset management for laboratory equipment, consumables, and fielded systems, including calibration and maintenance logs
• Coordinate logistics for receipt, storage, issuance, shipment, repair, return, and retirement of laboratory or fielded equipment
• Contribute to program management products such as schedules, status reports, action item trackers, and stakeholder briefings
• Support technical reachback by researching and helping respond to field inquiries about laboratory or deployed technologies

Skills

Laboratory operations

Data analysis

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Overview

Join our team as a Laboratory Scientist you will support U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Laboratories and Scientific Services by assisting with laboratory operations, technical testing, and interdiction technology programs. You will help plan and execute lab and field tests, analyze scientific data, and maintain equipment and technical documentation, ensuring reliable, well-documented support to a mission-critical border security science and engineering program.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm at either the Ashburn, VA or the Washington, DC facility.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory operations, including test preparation, sample handling, equipment setup, data collection, and recordkeeping
• Assist in planning, executing, and documenting laboratory, pilot, and field tests for interdiction technologies
• Help develop and review test plans, test reports, standard operating procedures, and technical procedures
• Analyze laboratory and field test data, summarize findings and prepare recommendations for government review
• Support inventory and asset management for laboratory equipment, consumables, and fielded systems, including calibration and maintenance logs
• Coordinate logistics for receipt, storage, issuance, shipment, repair, return, and retirement of laboratory or fielded equipment
• Contribute to program management products such as schedules, status reports, action item trackers, and stakeholder briefings
• Support technical reachback by researching and helping respond to field inquiries about laboratory or deployed technologies

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical science, materials science, forensic science, biology, environmental science, engineering, or a related scientific/technical discipline
• 0–10 years of relevant experience supporting laboratory operations, scientific testing, technical programs, equipment management, or applied research and development
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, scientific methods, data collection, and technical documentation
• Ability to analyze and summarize scientific/technical data using Microsoft Excel or similar tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams (chemists, physicists, engineers, logisticians, program managers, data analysts, field operators)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Active Secret security clearance

Desired:

• Experience supporting federal laboratory, R&D, test and evaluation, or technology transition programs
• Familiarity with lab quality practices, chain-of-custody concepts, or controlled equipment procedures
• Experience preparing SOPs, technical/test reports, or acquisition-related technical inputs
• Familiarity with data visualization, dashboard tools, GIS, or modeling and simulation outputs
• Experience with government property controls, logistics coordination, or equipment lifecycle management

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Pay Range

Negotiable