Chemist

Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations Support (OS, Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) in Savannah, GA; Newark, NJ; Houston, TX; and Ashburn, VA. This position starts at a salary of $50,460.00 (GS-7, Step 1) to $80,243.00 (GS-9, Step 10) with promotion potential to $116,362 (GS-12, Step 10). See locality pay tables by geographic area for salary adjustments. Duties Perform chemical and physical tests, forensic analyses, and WMD detections on samples of imported merchandise or seized materials submitted to the laboratory. Analyze assigned samples in the laboratory or in the field, developing identity, grade, and composition information regarding origins and methods of manufacture, using wet laboratory procedures or advanced analytical instrumentation. Receive samples, review background material, conduct preliminary examination of samples, and determine information needed to satisfy submitting officers’ requests. Provide general advice to CBP employees on sampling and sample storage procedures, analytical methodology, instruments, and problems associated with analyzing samples, and offer solutions. Organize and write test reports and briefings, articulating technical findings, interpretations, and conclusions. Write technical reports and papers describing laboratory work in compliance with the LSS Quality system. Appear as a witness in court proceedings or provide technical assistance in prosecution cases. Requirements Must be a U.S. citizen; male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must register with Selective Service. Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years. Pass a background investigation and comply with CBP drug testing procedures. Adhere to CBP’s ethics rules and standards applicable to all executive branch employees. Complete required pre‑employment processes conducted in English. Qualifications Education Requirements: Physical, life, or engineering sciences bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by differential and integral calculus coursework, and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Or equivalent education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics and physics, plus appropriate work or graduate‑level experience. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; or one full year of graduate‑level education from an accredited institution. Experience Requirements: GS‑07: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (e.g., chemist trainee performing routine analyses, assisting higher‑level chemists, instrument maintenance, data interpretation). GS‑09: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (e.g., advanced chemist trainee selecting test samples, performing preliminary chemical analysis, computing and applying correction factors, plotting predictive values). Applicants must submit documentation (college transcripts, certificates, or proof of training) to verify qualifications before the application deadline (05/28/2026). Additional Information The recent graduate program is a one‑year development program with orientation, mentorship, individual development plan, and at least 40 hours of formal training each year. Recent graduates are not eligible for promotion during the program; promotion may be considered after successful completion, subject to OPM qualification requirements. Reasonable accommodation requests for disabled persons must be submitted prior to the USA‑Hire competency‑based assessments. CBP participates in E‑Verify to confirm eligibility of new hires. CBP is an equal‑opportunity employer; see EEO statement for details. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Customs and Border Protection