Pharmacologist

Drug Enforcement Administration; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Drug Enforcement Administration in Arlington, VA seeks candidates for advanced scientific roles to plan and direct drug and chemical control programs.

The position emphasizes advising on pharmacology, conducting research on drug effects, and managing related databases.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology, medicine, veterinary or physical science, or pharmacy with 30 semester hours chemistry and physiology and 12 semester hours pharmacology.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12.
• Specialized experience examples include pharmacology advisory, research on drug/chemical effects, database management, and scientific reporting.

Responsibilities

• Advise on pharmacology and related sciences to resolve problems.
• Conduct research on short- and long-term effects of drugs and chemicals.
• Manage a drug/chemical database system.
• Prepare scientific reports for publication or meeting presentations.

Education

Biology or Pharmacy degree with chemistry/physiology/pharmacology coursework

Tools

Drug/chemical database system

Job description

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Diversion Control Division, Office of Diversion Control Operations, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Drug Control Unit (DOEP). This position(s) primary purpose is to plan, direct, and evaluate programs for all drug and chemical control efforts.

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.

Basic Qualification Requirements:

The basic requirement for this position requires a degree with a major in an appropriate biological, medical veterinary, or physical science, or in pharmacy that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry and physiology and 12 semester hours in pharmacology.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet one of the following requirements:

Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level.

Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

GS-13:

Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:

• 1) advising on pharmacology, related biological sciences or physical sciences to resolve problems;
• 2) conducting research to identify short and long-term effects of drugs and/or chemicals;
• 3) managing a drug and/or chemical database system;
• and 4) preparing scientific reports for publication or presentation in meetings.

Applicants applying for the GS-14 must meet the following requirement:

GS-14:

Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:

• 1) serving as scientific advisor in pharmacology and related biological and physical sciences as applied to the implementation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA);
• 2) developing presentations articulating agency regulation or policy;
• 3) providing medical/scientific perspective regarding the adverse impact of drug compounds or substances;
• 4) serving as an expert witness in court regarding the impact of drug abuse and misuse as it relates to public health and safety.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.