Chemist (Diversion Control Division)

Summary

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Diversion Control Operations, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Chemical Control Unit (DOEC). This position(s) primary purpose is to serve as a chemist, responsible for providing leadership on technical matters to the Diversion Control Program (DCP).

Duties

As a Chemist (Diversion Control Division), your typical work assignments may include: Serving as senior Chemist, responsible for providing leadership on scientific matters to the Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Diversion Control Division. Maintaining liaison with scientist, public health and law enforcement officials, and other professionals, nationally and internationally, to orient them to the priorities of drugs of abuse and diversion of chemicals. Advising, providing, and coordinating the development of drug abuse, chemical diversion and scientific data to determine the position of the Diversion Control Division on drug scheduling and chemical control issues, and recommending policy changes as appropriate, for both domestic and international purposes. Preparing technical reports and reviewing internal and external reports for scientific and technical accuracy. Utilizing scientific knowledge and skills to evaluate processes and procedures as defined under the Controlled Substance Act and its implementation regulations.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application. Basic Qualification Requirements: The basic requirement for this position requires a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. -OR- Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet one of the following requirements: Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level. Specialized 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: GS-13: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) serving as a technical advisor in chemistry providing guidance on scientific matters; 2) performing analysis of the composition, properties, structure and/or chemical reactions of substances; 3) researching data to recommend policy changes and 4) preparing scientific technical reports. Applicants applying for the GS-14 must meet the following requirement: GS-14: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) serving as an authority in chemistry providing guidance on organic chemistry, drug scheduling or chemical control; 2) interpreting and applying policies to identify problems or issues; 3) recommending solutions to public health and/or safety threats presented by drugs or chemicals; and 4) defending agency policies to industry, the scientific community or other agencies. Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members. If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.