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Chemist Subject Matter Expert (SME)

R3 Strategic Support Group, Inc. • Indian Head, MD • 6d ago

Job Title: Chemist Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Position Number: CHEM S-002

Location: Indian Head, MD

Worksite: EXU-1, NSWC IHD, Indian Head, MD

Travel: Less than 5% Possibility

Status: Hourly On-Call

Clearance: DoD TOP SECRET w/SCI eligibility

Date Posted: 12/8/2025

Job Summary:

R3 is seeking an individual to advise and assist the Expeditionary Exploitation Unit ONE (EXU-1) N2/Intelligence Department, Chemical Analysis Laboratory. This position supports a diverse team and will perform duties involving coordination and facilitation of all CONUS/OCONUS operational requirements associated with the laboratory. The chemist (SME) will assist the laboratory team/N2 with executing all aspects of the chemical analysis program (e.g. operations, maintenance, material management, RDT&E, training and certification, and safety). The SME will work with/by/and through the N2 laboratory team to implement the government's strategies to meet expected operational goals, analyze risks, and deploy solutions with respect to matters of significance within the areas identified below.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform quantitative chemical analysis of submitted materials to identify and quantify compounds present to include energetics and a variety of other potentially hazardous organic and inorganic compounds.
Differentiate bulk and trace explosive signatures from contamination and background
Evaluate samples to determine appropriate sample preparation techniques: solvent extraction/filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, solid phase microextraction (SPME), headspace extraction, sample purification
Perform scientific analyses utilizing the following: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and other instrumentation or techniques, as available.
Provide training on and support subject matter exchanges (CONUS and OCONUS) to technical and non-technical personnel on chemical and physical analyses of energetics (and related compounds); explosive detection/chemical analysis equipment operation, capabilities, and troubleshooting; sample preparation techniques; instrument operation; and analysis of results.
Implement data quality and reporting guidelines comparable to those established within the professional forensic community
Perform instrument troubleshooting and maintenance
Develop and validate analytical techniques to accommodate emerging chemical analysis requirements and draft laboratory standard operating procedures.
Generate and classify technical reports based upon data collected through sample analysis
Perform technical and administrative reviews of other analysts’ casework
Develop and maintain relationships with DoD, Intelligence Community, and U.S. other governmental and civilian agencies who work in the field of technical exploitation
Develop budget input for continuous laboratory operations
Stays abreast of new and unique developments in the fields of analytical chemistry and applies them to the solution of critical, and sometimes obscure, problems; resulting in improved means for analysis and characterization of explosives.
Identify and track emerging trends to predict potential future threats and/or capability gaps
Perform as EXU-1 representative during operations, exercises and meetings (e.g. planning conferences, etc.) as required.
Other duties as assigned by the R3 Program Manager and/or specified in the contract Performance Work Statement (PWS)
Perform duties effectively with minimal supervision

Qualifications:

Ability to think critically and problem solve
Ability to work independently and plan tasks without specific direction
Capacity to work under pressure with stringent deadlines
Able to work effectively with a diverse multidisciplinary team
Able to communicate effectively: orally and in writing
Capacity to prioritize tasking to ensure competing requirements are optimally met
Comprehensive professional knowledge of the theories and practices associated with analytical chemistry, including the common instrumental and non-instrumental methods, necessary to perform chemical analysis on a wide variety of explosives related materials and products.
Knowledge of explosives chemistry/energetic materials to include: safe handling, preparation/synthesis, storage, and analysis of explosive compounds
Knowledge of and experience independently operating analytical instruments
Excellent experimental technique and a strong background in instrumentation and quantitative/qualitative analysis.
Ability to communicate highly technical information to a non-technical audience
Familiar with statistical analysis software and multivariate statistics
Proficient in Microsoft Windows Office Productivity Products (i.e. Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and other or similar applications)
Possess strong presentation and facilitation skills, and excellent organization and attention to detail required
Ability to travel CONUS/OCONUS and possess a current U.S. Passport
Must be able to lift -- up to 50 pounds -- to waist level and move materiel up to five feet

Education and Experience:

B.S. in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or related Physical science; M.S. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or Forensics is preferred
Experience working, or for, US Government forensic laboratory and/or performing forensic research
5 years of experience working with energetics in a forensic or analytical laboratory is preferred
Knowledge of, and experience working with, energetic compounds
U.S. Citizen

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability

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