Role Overview
Department of Human Services is hiring a mid-level Chemist (PET). This is a full-time role in Rockville. posted 4 weeks ago. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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Job Description
This position is located in the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Department within the NIH Clinical Center and operates cyclotrons, hot cells, a cGMP manufacturing facility, and PET imaging scanners to support intramural clinical research. In this position, you will serve as a senior Chemist responsible for radiopharmaceutical production and analytical chemistry/quality control activities.Qualifications:Basic Qualifications for the 1320 Chemistry Series: In order to qualify for a Chemist, GS-1320 position, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's or graduate or higher degree in 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 a combination of education and experience course work equivalent to a major as shown 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.
In addition, in order to qualify for a Chemist (PET) position at the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams to solve chemistry-related problems and improve scientific processes and laboratory procedures; performing routine and non-routine chemical analyses of drug, biological, environmental, or tissue samples; conducting equipment testing and supporting quality control procedures to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with laboratory standards; supporting laboratory operations in a regulated environment by following established procedures and ensuring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards; and preparing, documenting, and communicating laboratory results to support research activities and regulatory requirements.
In addition, in order to qualify for a Chemist (PET) position at the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: working with high levels of radionuclides, including the expert design and safe execution of radiolabeling experiments in support of chemical or radiochemical programs; calibrating, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex laboratory instrumentation (e.g., High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), Mass Spectrometry (MS)) to ensure data integrity and system performance; overseeing laboratory operations, including coordination of personnel, equipment, and workflows in a highly regulated environment; ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA Investigative New Drug (IND) requirements); and reviewing, analyzing, and presenting radiochemical experimental data and laboratory reports to support scientific conclusions, operational decision-making, and continuous process improvement, particularly as it relates to PET drug production.
You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.
Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.
Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12943239Education:This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.Employment Type: OTHER
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Chemist (PET) position at Department of Human Services?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Department of Human Services. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Where is the Chemist (PET) position at Department of Human Services located?
This position is based in Rockville. Department of Human Services has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.
What does a Chemist (PET) at Department of Human Services earn?
Department of Human Services has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Chemist (PET) role at Department of Human Services posted?
This role was posted on May 11, 2026 (29 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
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