Synthetic Chemist

**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 (KSA's)**:

- Required KSA's
- 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.
- Preferred KSA's
- 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 at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry with five to ten years of experience synthesizing energetic materials.

**Certificates and Licenses**:No specific certificates or licenses are required for this position.

**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.

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.