LEAD CHEMIST WITH SECURITY CLEARANCE
Battelle Memorial Institute
Egg Harbor Township NJ 08234 US
Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Summary We are currently seeking a Lead Chemist. This position is located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Battelle's Aviation Security Division provides research development test and evaluation services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL). The qualified candidate for this position will support TSL Applied Research and Development (ARD), Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) projects, and/or Internal Research and Development (IRaD) projects. The primary project is Chemical Based Detection Technology DT&E. The lead chemist will support developmental test & evaluation (DT&E) of chemical-based detection technologies, including those that detect explosives, illicit drugs, and other contraband, through Technical Assessments (TA), Readiness Assistance (RA) and Readiness Testing (RT). TAs and critical excursions serve to evaluate early prototype systems and provide feedback to developers as well as to support Government Stakeholders in their efforts to establish detection guidelines, processes and answer immediate technical questions of DHS Components and stakeholders. RA serves as an aid to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), providing access to government resources to gain information on the strengths and shortcomings of their systems. This analysis relates to aspects requiring explosives or capabilities that are difficult for private entities to obtain, thereby assisting them in focusing their development resources. RA is typically an OEM run, contractor supported execution of the OEM's government approved test plan. RA can also be government executed. RT serves as a gateway to formal qualification testing and evaluation (QT&E), thus protecting the integrity of independent QT&E by preventing OEMs from repeatedly submitting their systems for QT&E before they are ready, and inadvertently developing and training to meet the test rather than the requirement specification. Responsibilities * Lead a small team of 1-4 staff to perform routine maintenance of Gold Standard ETDs (typically those currently qualified for Transportation Security Administration [TSA] use).
* Lead team in performing recommended maintenance on systems undergoing assessments.
* Lead team in optimizing methods (assessing the efficacy of existing methods for meeting TSL test quality standards for each test event).
* Lead coordination of delivery for units under test.
* Lead assembly of supplies and materials needed for the systems under test.
* Lead coordination of training from vendors on operation and maintenance of systems under test.
* Lead pre-test verification to ensure proper function of systems before initiation of testing.
* Lead test planning, data collection, data analysis, data storage and archiving.
* Lead direct detection (via direct deposit and/or direct transfer in accordance with established TSL procedures. This includes requesting and preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis.
* Lead testing of blank substrates (surface mimics used for testing) in accordance with established TSL procedures. This includes requesting and preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis. * Lead surface sampling (formerly harvesting detection) testing of explosives on surfaces (test substrates) in accordance with established TSL procedures. This involves requesting, preparing, sampling, data collection, and analyzing various combinations of explosive analytes with surface representative substrates. * Lead high trace mass testing in accordance with established TSL procedures. This includes requesting, preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis. * Provide subject matter expert (SME) guidance during test planning.
* Lead testing on background substances in accordance with established TSL procedures for false positive testing. This includes preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis. * Lead reporting for TA, RA and RT activities to include Quick Look Report (QLR), PowerPoint Presentation, Technical Document, Test Observation Report (TOR), Supplemental Test Plan, Supplemental Test Report.
* Support Project Manager with monthly progress reporting and development/update of project plan.
* Support OEM sampling effectiveness testing in accordance with established TSL procedures. This involves assessing the detection system's sampling medium (trap or swab) for surface sampling analyte collection and retention capabilities. * Support OEM detection sensitivity testing in accordance with established TSL procedures. This iterative assessment to establish the system's lower detection limits involves direct detection protocols. * Support rapid response testing which may include but is not limited to characterization of unknown chemical samples and analysis of samples on Gold Standard ETDs.
* Review DT&E data and validate test articles (including test article QC if applicable) ensuring the validity of the DT&E event.
* Support the upkeep of DT&E tools
* Travel up to 25% may be required.
Key Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in chemistry with 5 years of related experience or master's degree and 2 years of related experience, or a PhD degree in a science field.
* Data collection/analysis.
* Knowledge and experience in science and technology used in explosive trace detection.
* Analytical instrument maintenance and operation.
* Knowledge and experience in planning, design, and conduct of explosive and explosive technology applied research and testing.
* Knowledge and experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for explosive and explosive technology applied research and testing.
* Knowledge and experience in data capture and data analysis associated with applied research efforts and test & evaluation.
* Experience with performing laboratory instrument maintenance and quality control checks of test article materials.
* Ability to work with minimal supervision.
* Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret Security Clearance and to obtain DHS Suitability.
* Strong oral and written communication skills. * May require travel up to 25%.
Preferred Qualifications * A bachelor's degree in chemistry with at least 12 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with 6 years of experience, or a PhD.
* Background in python and the data science stack (numpy, scikit-learn, etc), and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.
* Familiarity with deep learning explainability and interpretability methods.
* Familiarity with data synthesis using deep learning methods.
* Image analysis using ImageJ and OpenCV.
* Experience in any of the following: Docker, Git.
* Experience in user interface design and implementation.
* Prior laboratory testing experience.
* Prior experience working for TSA or DHS.
* DoD Secret security clearance.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. * Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
* Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
* Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
* Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
* Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. * Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
* Flexible work arrangements: You have options for where you work and when you work.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to: * Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects * Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
* Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
* Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
* Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws). Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compen
* Lead team in performing recommended maintenance on systems undergoing assessments.
* Lead team in optimizing methods (assessing the efficacy of existing methods for meeting TSL test quality standards for each test event).
* Lead coordination of delivery for units under test.
* Lead assembly of supplies and materials needed for the systems under test.
* Lead coordination of training from vendors on operation and maintenance of systems under test.
* Lead pre-test verification to ensure proper function of systems before initiation of testing.
* Lead test planning, data collection, data analysis, data storage and archiving.
* Lead direct detection (via direct deposit and/or direct transfer in accordance with established TSL procedures. This includes requesting and preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis.
* Lead testing of blank substrates (surface mimics used for testing) in accordance with established TSL procedures. This includes requesting and preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis. * Lead surface sampling (formerly harvesting detection) testing of explosives on surfaces (test substrates) in accordance with established TSL procedures. This involves requesting, preparing, sampling, data collection, and analyzing various combinations of explosive analytes with surface representative substrates. * Lead high trace mass testing in accordance with established TSL procedures. This includes requesting, preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis. * Provide subject matter expert (SME) guidance during test planning.
* Lead testing on background substances in accordance with established TSL procedures for false positive testing. This includes preparing test articles and performing sampling, data collection, and analysis. * Lead reporting for TA, RA and RT activities to include Quick Look Report (QLR), PowerPoint Presentation, Technical Document, Test Observation Report (TOR), Supplemental Test Plan, Supplemental Test Report.
* Support Project Manager with monthly progress reporting and development/update of project plan.
* Support OEM sampling effectiveness testing in accordance with established TSL procedures. This involves assessing the detection system's sampling medium (trap or swab) for surface sampling analyte collection and retention capabilities. * Support OEM detection sensitivity testing in accordance with established TSL procedures. This iterative assessment to establish the system's lower detection limits involves direct detection protocols. * Support rapid response testing which may include but is not limited to characterization of unknown chemical samples and analysis of samples on Gold Standard ETDs.
* Review DT&E data and validate test articles (including test article QC if applicable) ensuring the validity of the DT&E event.
* Support the upkeep of DT&E tools
* Travel up to 25% may be required.
Key Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in chemistry with 5 years of related experience or master's degree and 2 years of related experience, or a PhD degree in a science field.
* Data collection/analysis.
* Knowledge and experience in science and technology used in explosive trace detection.
* Analytical instrument maintenance and operation.
* Knowledge and experience in planning, design, and conduct of explosive and explosive technology applied research and testing.
* Knowledge and experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for explosive and explosive technology applied research and testing.
* Knowledge and experience in data capture and data analysis associated with applied research efforts and test & evaluation.
* Experience with performing laboratory instrument maintenance and quality control checks of test article materials.
* Ability to work with minimal supervision.
* Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret Security Clearance and to obtain DHS Suitability.
* Strong oral and written communication skills. * May require travel up to 25%.
Preferred Qualifications * A bachelor's degree in chemistry with at least 12 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with 6 years of experience, or a PhD.
* Background in python and the data science stack (numpy, scikit-learn, etc), and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.
* Familiarity with deep learning explainability and interpretability methods.
* Familiarity with data synthesis using deep learning methods.
* Image analysis using ImageJ and OpenCV.
* Experience in any of the following: Docker, Git.
* Experience in user interface design and implementation.
* Prior laboratory testing experience.
* Prior experience working for TSA or DHS.
* DoD Secret security clearance.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. * Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
* Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
* Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
* Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
* Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. * Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
* Flexible work arrangements: You have options for where you work and when you work.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to: * Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects * Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
* Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
* Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
* Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws). Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compen