Associate Chemist

• - VA-Charlottesville
• Charlottesville, VA, USA
• Full Time

Position Purpose:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide supporting technical instruction in the execution of training courses related to defense and national security offered to Signature Science clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• In a supporting role, deliver technical instruction and training on chemical threat agents and homemade explosives.

• In a supporting role, deliver training on presumptive equipment and detection systems to include but not limited to TruDefender, FirstDefender, LCD 3.3, MultiRae, XRF, and colormetric kits.

•  In a supporting role, deliver training on personal protective equipment selection and decontamination methodologies.

•  Participate in planning and execution of training scenarios

•  Observe students and/or other groups participating in CBRNE exercises and provide verbal and written feedback on performance.

•  Design and perform synthesis of CW precursors and homemade explosives.

•  Direct and/or conduct sample analysis using various analytical chemistry techniques.

•  Write and review standard operating procedures.

•  Write project documents with minimal supervision.

•  Brief clients and other relevant personnel on activities and results.

•  Provide hands-on support of CBRNE Sciences projects

•  Other duties as assigned.

 Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Required KSA's

        o Provided guidance and direction from senior instructor, candidate should have the ability to design and deliver technical presentations specific to the target audience

        o Excellent interpersonal skills

        o Proficient with MS Office

        o Attention to detail, and the ability to appropriately document work and adhere to safety protocols.

        o Ability to manage multiple on-going tasks efficiently and with little to no supervision.

• Preferred KSA's

        o Site exploitation and knowledge of clandestine laboratory activities.

        o Proficiency in personal field expedient decontamination methods and techniques.

        o Proficiency in PPE selection, use, and don/doff procedures

        o Experience in chemical synthesis is a plus, particularly related to explosives and/or other hazardous materials.

        o Experience providing technical training on CBRNE threats and analytical techniques is desired.

        o Proficiency in analytical method development is desired.

        o Basic understanding of IC/military organization and lexicon.

Education/Experience:

A B.S. or B.A. in Chemistry or Biochemistry.

Certificates and Licenses:

No specific certificates or licenses are required for this position; however, a Virginia Blasting Certification would be viewed favorably.

Clearance:

A minimum of Secret clearance is required for this position.  The candidate must be able and willing to complete a successful background screening for a security clearance.  Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference.

Working Conditions

-          Travel up to 25%

-          Mixture of cubicle, lecture hall, lab, and outdoor training exercises

-          Pass respirator physical, fit test, and wear during lab instruction and field training exercises.

-          Must be able to lift 40 pounds to chest level.

-          Must be willing/able to stand on your feet for a minimum of 30 minutes presenting instruction or during field training exercises.

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.