Research Chemist

Summary The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. This position is located in the Animal Metabolism Agricultural Chemical Research Unit. ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR 3/17/2025 Responsibilities Performs research on projects that support the mission and goals of National Program 108, Food Safety (100%). Develops sustainable technologies that tackle perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) contamination issues in various environmental matrices and food animals. Works on the development of high throughput PFAS analytical methods in environmental and/or food animal matrices and collaborate with team members on studying the fate of target chemicals in vitro and live food animals. Laboratory techniques not limited to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of developed technologies/ or methods. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a Ph.D in chemistry, (organic/inorganic/analytical/medicinal), biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Must have knowledge in catalysis, chemical extraction from biological and environmental matrices, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and other analytical techniques related to the projects, and basic statistics that support the objectives of the research. Experiences in halogen chemistry, especially in fluorine chemistry, catalysis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nanomaterial synthesis and characterization, or other related experiences will be preferred but not necessary. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Chemistry Series, 1320 Degree: 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. Education This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned. A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years. Additional Information Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.