Chemist Advisor (Onsite)

Chemist Advisor (Onsite)ID:ARS-SEA-060Location:MiamiProgram:ARS

Wage/Hr:$36.75Hours/Week:40Minimum Age:55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service through the Experienced Worker Program (EWP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

• This position will be open until filled.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in optimizing volatile extraction employing specialized headspace extraction techniques, conducting high-resolution analysis (GC-FID, GC-EAD, GC-MS, HPTLC, TLC-MS) and e-nose technology to characterize for profiling and quantification of complex chemical mixtures. OR BA/BS Degree in Chemistry

• Comprehensive analytical expertise in method development and advanced chromatographic techniques (GC-FID, GC-MS, GC-EAD, HPTLC, TLC-MS) to analyze complex matrices with proficiency in qualitative/quantitative software for data interpretation. Ability to advance lab operations through innovative non-destructive technology applications, in-depth data analysis, and expert-level instrument troubleshooting and preventative maintenance; high communication skills, positive attitude, problem solving adaptability and intelligence.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
• Foundational software managing laboratory hardware, controlling analytical instruments and facilitating data acquisition and processing.
• MassHunter, OpenLab cds,visionCATS, Syntech, PCnose, CDAnalysis

Duties:

In this position, enrollee will be participating in research related chemical ecology of invasive pests threatening U.S. subtropical agriculture by identifying and quantifying volatile signals from host plants, microbial cultures, and conspecifics. Collaboratively develop sustainable integrated pest management components, including behavioral manipulation tools (lures/repellents and biopesticides) in coordination with project scientists. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

• Develop comprehensive analytical techniques, including sample preparation, data acquisition, and interpretation utilizing advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic instrumentation, GC-FID, GC-EAD, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, HPTLC, and IC, to develop semiochemical tools for early detection and sustainable management of exotic invasive pests.   30%
• Develop methods to employ non-destructive screening protocols in integrated pest management technologies to reduce the impact of insect pest attacks on host commodities and plants.   20%
• Maintains high-performance analytical instrumentation through rigorous calibration, firmware updates, and the preparation of certified standards for precise compound quantification.   20%
• Document all experimental procedures and findings in detail, ensuring high-quality, reproducible records for supervisor.   20%
• Assures that the laboratory is adhering to safety and biosafety policies.   10%

Other:

• Training will be provided as necessary by the agency.
• Physical requirements: N/A Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.