Synthetic Chemist- Energetic Materials

Job Description

Job Description

Position Purpose:

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the lead synthetic chemist at the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follows currently established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to synthesize homemade explosives (HMEs).
• Performs research to develop syntheses for new HMEs of interest.
• Performs quality control of HMEs synthesized at the TSL.
• Works directly with federal client to achieve the goals of the HME laboratory at the TSL.
• Performs wet chemistry (dilutions, extractions, etc.).
• Composes and reviews technical reports and SOPs.
• Composes, reviews, and executes test plans.
• Performs literature reviews.
• Safely handles explosive and other hazardous materials.
• Sources materials and submits purchase requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Previous experience synthesizing and handling energetic material.
• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Good listening skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude.
• Good working skills of software and tools necessary for job functions including Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with measuring density and refractive index
• Experience with IR, RAMAN, or NMR
• Experience with using EasyMax for chemical syntheses

Education/Experience:  

Incumbent professional should have: a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minimum of five years relevant experience; or a master's degree in chemistry with at least two years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Chemistry with at least one year of relevant experience.

Certificates and Licenses: 

None

Clearance: 

The ability to obtain a Secret clearance and Department of Homeland Security suitability is required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

The incumbent professional may oversee junior level chemists performing synthetic chemistry tasks.

Working Conditions/ Equipment: 

The incumbent professional is expected to work and/or be available during regular business hours.  He/she should also generally be available via e-mail or phone during non-business hours as needed to address critical issues or emergencies.  He/she may be required to travel on behalf of the company up to 25%.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.