Mine Atmosphere Chemist — Field & Lab Analyst

US-Mine-Safety-and-Health-Administratio; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MSHA, part of the Department of Labor, seeks a Chemist at the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center to support mining safety and health initiatives. The role emphasizes laboratory policy adherence, GC analyses, and data interpretation across mine atmosphere studies.

Ideal candidates will have GS-11/GS-12 level experience or advanced education, with opportunities to lead field investigations and report findings in technical settings.

Qualifications

• 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal Service.
• Specialized experience for GS-11 must include at least three of: follow lab policies, gas chromatography analyses, statistical analyses, assist in field investigations, assist with technical reports, mobile gas lab deployments, calibrate and maintain GC instruments.
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.
• GS-12 requires at least four of: develop GC methods, repair GC systems, conduct routine analyses, lead field investigations, prepare reports, advise on data interpretation, act as principal chemist in deployments.
• There is no substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Gas chromatography

Statistical analysis

Education

Degree in physical/life sciences or engineering with chemistry coursework

Tools

Gas chromatography systems

Mass spectrometers

Job description

MSHA, part of the Department of Labor, seeks a Chemist at the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center to support mining safety and health initiatives. The role emphasizes laboratory policy adherence, GC analyses, and data interpretation across mine atmosphere studies.

Ideal candidates will have GS-11/GS-12 level experience or advanced education, with opportunities to lead field investigations and report findings in technical settings.