Job Title: Service Fellow (Research Chemist) (GS-11 or -12 equivalent)
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Sub-Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Center Name: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Work Schedule: Full-Time
Appointment Duration: 3–5-year initial appointment with opportunity for extension.
Bargaining Unit Status: Bargaining Unit
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) invites fellowship applications for full- time Research Chemist positions to work in the Chemical and Biological Monitoring Branch (CBMB). This position is with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), located in Cincinnati, OH.
Position
Full-time positions are being offered as part of the CDC’s Service Fellowship program under Title 42 of the U.S. Code. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. CDC service fellows are federal employees that can serve as staff scientists, with most of the rights and benefits provided to permanent civil service employees. The initial fellowship appointment will be for three to five years with potential for renewal based upon performance and available NIOSH funding. Salary will be based on education and experience. Fellows will be eligible for government health and retirement benefits. The position offers ability to present at scientific conferences, participate in grant writing, develop internal and external collaborations, and provides several opportunities for professional growth.
Job Description
The Chemical and Biological Monitoring Branch in the Health Effects Laboratory Division of NIOSH conducts research in analytical measurement sciences by developing new methods, tools, and knowledge for environmental and biological monitoring. The position provides an opportunity to lead laboratory studies to develop new analytical methods, instrumentation, or sensors for measurement of toxic chemicals in workplace or industrial settings. We are looking for highly motivated candidates that can provide leadership in development of new analytical or bioanalytical methods to advance our ability to conduct exposure measurements and contribute to the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/default.html].
Identifying research gaps (in the context of analytical science needs for exposure measurements), developing grant proposals, designing and conducting laboratory experimental studies, communicating and reporting results to management, presenting at scientific conferences, and writing peer-reviewed journal manuscripts are an essential part of this job.
Basic Qualifications
Degree: This position requires a minimum master’s degree in physical sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. A doctoral degree in physical sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related disciplines is preferred but not essential.
GS-11 equivalent - $68,915.00
Master’s degree with one year or more postgraduate experience equivalent to the next lower grade
level related to the work of the position.
GS-12 equivalent - $82,601.00
Master’s degree with one year or more postgraduate experience equivalent to the next lower grade level related to the work of the position. Ph.D or equivalent, postdoctoral experience not required.
Highly qualified candidates would possess the following:
- Strong laboratory proficiency in using variety of advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry and separation techniques such as gas, liquid, or ion chromatography. Experience with a variety of detectors (such as mass spectrometers, FID, ECD, FPD, NPD, UV, fluorescence, etc.) is desirable.
- Experience in analytical method development and validation, development of new chemical instrumentation or chemical sensors is desirable.
- Application of standard methods or development of new methods in the context of exposure measurements, air quality, water quality, environmental sampling, or biological monitoring is desirable but not essential.
- Practical experience in developing trace or ultra-trace methods would be helpful. Experience in field sampling would be helpful in this role.
- General analytical chemistry skills and working knowledge of various sample preparation techniques for environmental samples is desirable.
- Demonstrated abilities in working independently to troubleshoot instrument/method issues, analyzing critical data to draw conclusions, and effective communication of experimental results.
- Superior oral communication and scientific writing skills, as demonstrated by authorship of research proposals, conference presentations, and refereed journal manuscripts is highly desirable for this position.
- Experience in Laboratory Management, developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures, quality assurance and control, training protocols, validation and study reports, reference standard systems, and sample preparation equipment.
- Knowledge of multivariate statistical techniques, uncertainty budgets, and bias and accuracy calculations are desirable.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently as well as effectively and collegially within a team setting are essential.
Conditions of Employment
Both US citizens and non-US citizens are eligible to apply.
Note: Non-US citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized experience requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. Citizens of countries on the Non-Aligned list (including China, India, and Switzerland) are eligible for this appointment. Citizens of countries that have been determined by the U.S. Secretary of State as State Sponsors of Terrorism will not be able to obtain a security clearance to work at CDC.
Countries currently on this list include Iran, Sudan, and Syria.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Less than 5% travel may be required.
EEO Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit your curriculum vitae, a statement describing past and current laboratory experience, and contact information of three references.
Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a statement describing past and current laboratory experience, copies of your most significant publications, and contact information for three letters of reference, to Pramod Kulkarni, Chief, Chemical and Biological Monitoring Branch, at e-mail: PSKulkarni@cdc.gov.
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