Scientist II

Works with the Environmental Chemistry Branch, Environmental Processes and Engineering Division at the Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center and executes the research, development, and evaluation tasks including fabrication and instrumentation of test articles; coordination and conduct of major field investigations; theoretical studies; and laboratory experimental work and computational modeling. Performs a variety of laboratory and field procedures using established scientific methods and techniques. Provides scientific and technical guidance and coordination among contractors and communicates scientific and technical information through oral briefings and written documents.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Plan, conduct, and provide technical expertise for a variety of analytical chemistry research with water, liquid, soil, sediment, and tissue samples.
2. Operate and maintain research facilities, equipment, and instrumentation.
3. Plan and conduct contaminant biodegradation studies.
4. Plan and conduct analytical chemistry research using a variety of instruments.
5. Use molecular techniques to identify the effects of contaminants.
6. Use lab instrumentation such as Fluorescence, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas chromatography (GC), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to extract and analyze contaminants, elements, and compounds.
7. Perform basic and routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of scientific instruments.
8. Conducts experiments, some moderately complex, and collects field samples.
9. Have extensive knowledge of commonly used chemistry concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
10. Develop testing procedures or direct activities of workers in the laboratory.
11. Maintains files such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information and diagrams showing equipment locations.
12. Records test data and prepares reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results.
13. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The position may require U.S. Government-issued Security Clearance. E-Verify screening is required. This position requires a favorable FBI fingerprint check and a successful National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI).

Education/Experience:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with 2-5 years of experience in the field or related area.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write technical reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, and analysis.

Reasoning Ability: 

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Word; Adobe Acrobat; Notepad; WordPad; Microsoft Excel; and current Microsoft Windows operating systems; as well as the ability to use Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Able to navigate the internet.

Special Skills: 

Excellent teamwork and solution-oriented communication style.

Wide range of creativity and flexibility.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Most of the duties and responsibilities will occur in a chemistry lab.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working with military-relevant contaminants, elements, and compounds. Overtime may be required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch.