Research Chemist

A successful candidate will ensure that safe and continuous operations take place by providing a backup scientist should quick rendering of aid become necessary in the case of an unplanned event. The TIEDS RC is essential to the basic function of the TIEDS Center.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• The RC shall be trained to understand IEs preparatory methods, handling procedures, safety protocols, and explosives test range processes that are unique to TIEDS.
• Work as a member of a team employing excellent communication skills, discretion, and cooperation.
• Demonstrate leadership and project management abilities to advance thoughts and concepts.
• Generate project plans, write test procedures, record and analyze test data, write test reports, perform small scale chemical synthesis, conduct process scale up and formulation, perform chemical and physical characterization using advanced instrumentation, run explosives hazard testing, carry out explosive’s performance evaluation, and assist with IED construction and lethality assessment.
• Purchase and inventory chemicals, purchase and inventory laboratory equipment, prepare chemical solutions, maintain glassware, perform basic chemical synthesis of non-energetic molecules and materials as needed, isolate reaction products, and manage wastes.
• Support operations at the Department of Homeland Security Detection Technology (DTC), by suppling IEs and IEDs, assisting with explosives and device handling, and retrieving the devices following detection analysis.
• Support activities, functions, or duties, as they arise.
• Research, develop, and author whitepapers and information papers, as required.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Materials Science and at least two (2) full semesters of Organic Chemistry with corresponding labs. Two (2) semesters of Analytical Chemistry and its labs are preferred.
• Experience working with a variety of organic materials to provide support to the TIEDS Synthesis lead and other TIEDS scientists
• Three (3) years of experience in a chemical research environment and a working knowledge of chemical characterization instrumentation such as, but not limited to: FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Mass Spectrometry (MS), TGA and DSC.
• Knowledge of policy and procedures related to chemical use, waste generation, and waste disposal are essential.
• Willingness to learn about chemical processes necessary to prepare energetic materials and the techniques used to characterize energetic materials and explosive formulations.
• Ability to interpret research findings in terms of the potential impact on the direction of Improvised Explosives research efforts is desired.
• Competence in describing observations and preparing concise and informative reports based on data collected from the characterization efforts.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
• The above experience should demonstrate the capability to deliver products under conditions of high operational tempo, frequently adjusting priorities and flux in requirements, on time. It should also demonstrate the ability to interface effectively with senior members of external organizations to develop and support technical positions, to justify technical recommendations, and communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoJ Secret security clearance