Chemists are responsible for assigned projects and/or programs in support of analytical services, analytical method development, and quality assurance. Specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the analysis of mycotoxins, pesticide residues, and heavy metals/elements. These duties may involve:
- Planning, conducting, and reporting results of programs and projects to deliver analytical services.
- Evaluating the performance of analytical procedures and equipment, including the development of performance criteria.
- Conducting experiments to evaluate the practical application of new and improved methods for the analysis of constituents in grain.
- Verifying proper operation of laboratory instrumentation and troubleshoots and/or repairs laboratory instruments as appropriate.
This Position is Represented in the Following AMS Programs:
Work Environment
The work is performed both in an office setting and a laboratory setting involving regular and recurring exposure to irritant chemicals, equipment, and air-borne particulates. Special safety precautions and protective equipment may be required, depending on the exposure potential.
Minimum Applicant Requirements
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For GS-09 Level |
For GS-11 Level and Above |
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Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level as listed in the job announcement. 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). OR Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of education and experience: Course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. |
Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level as listed in the job announcement. 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). OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree |
Common Career Paths