CHEMIST

Description:

Serves as a chemist in a Chemistry Branch (CB) of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO), OPHS. Performs chemical analyses on official samples, as well as various tasks associated with the adaptation and validation of methods and test systems used in field laboratories in the analysis of meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, egg, and Siluriformes products. The samples are submitted by various FSIS field personnel located throughout the United States.

Requirements:

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements (including specialized experience and/or education) by the closing date of the announcement, as defined below:

Qualifications:
Applicants can qualify for the different grades based on specialized experience, education or a combination of specialized experience and education as outlined below.

To qualify at the GS-5: Fully meet the basic education requirements described in the individual occupational requirements (IOR).

To qualify at the GS-7: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade or its equivalent OR one year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-7 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following:

• Performing chemical analyses with guidance in a laboratory setting.
• Reviewing chemical data and preparing reports or documentation with guidance.
• Assisting in quality assurance or quality control activities under supervision.

To qualify at the GS-9 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7 grade or its equivalent OR two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-9 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following:

• Independently working with chemical substances, compounds, or analytes in a laboratory setting.
• Independently preparing detailed reports, including chromatographic data, on chemical analyses and making preliminary evaluations.
• Implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures and troubleshooting basic issues.

To qualify at the GS-11 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade or its equivalent OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-11 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following:

• Independently performing complex chemical analyses, including multi-class, multi-residue, or complex matrix removal, and interpreting results in a regulatory or research laboratory setting.
• Independently preparing advanced reports, such as chromatographic data or regulatory limit comparisons, and presenting findings to internal or external stakeholders.
• Implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures and providing training to junior staff.

To qualify at the GS-12 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade or its equivalent. An applicant's experience must have met the following:

• Independently performing complex chemical analyses, including multi-class, multi-residue, and complex matrix removal, and interpreting results in a regulatory or research laboratory setting.
• Independently preparing advanced, such as chromatographic data and regulatory limit comparisons, reports and presenting findings to internal or external stakeholders.
• Leading the development and validation of new methods or technologies.
• Independently implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures and providing training to junior staff.

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.