Forensics and Drug Analytical Chemist
National Institute of Standards and Technology
FreshPosted Mar 12
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: March 9, 2026 (5 days ago)
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Chemist
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health and Human Services
Location
Salary
$143,913 - $197,200
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
March 13, 2026More FDA jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves working as a chemist for the FDA, focusing on reviewing and regulating the chemistry, composition, and protein quality of infant formulas and related medical foods to ensure they are safe and effective.
The role includes providing expert advice, developing policies, conducting technical reviews of studies, and engaging with industry stakeholders.
It's a good fit for someone with a science background who has hands-on experience in food chemistry, especially with infant nutrition products, and enjoys combining scientific analysis with regulatory work.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering from an accredited institution
- For Band D: Bachelor's + 5 years of comparable experience in infant formula chemistry and regulatory expertise, OR Master's + 4 years, OR Doctorate/JD + 2 years
- Experience serving as a subject matter expert in infant formula chemistry, composition, and protein quality
- Ability to plan, conduct, and direct technical reviews in nutrition, chemistry, biology, and food science
- Knowledge of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notices, Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) bioassay studies, and regulatory policy development
- Skills in providing technical input for compliance, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement related to infant formula and medical foods
- Submission of relevant transcripts to demonstrate education qualifications
Full Job Description
This position is being filled under a stream-lined hiring authority, Title 21 of the United States Code (21 US Code 379d-3a) as amended by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, section 3072 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Section 3624.
The candidate selected for this position will serve under a career or career-conditional appointment and be paid under the provisions of this authority.
This position is being recruited based on the Title 21 Pay Table 1, Band D.
In order to qualify for the Chemist position which falls under the 1320 occupational Series, you must meet the following requirements by 11:59 pm EST on 03/13/2026: Minimal Qualifications Requirements for the Chemist, AD-1320-00 Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering.
OR, A bachelor's degree or higher in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, plus appropriate experience in chemistry. The degree must be from an accredited program or institution.
In addition, to qualify for the Band D level, applicants must meet the qualification requirements below. Band D - Minimum Relevant experience and/or Education Requirements: A.
Have a Bachelor's degree and also have 5 years of comparable experience providing scientific and regulatory expertise related to infant formula and infant formula ingredients; Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry composition, and protein quality; Plans, conducts, and directs technical reviews in the scientific fields of nutrition, chemistry, biology, food science.
B.
Have a Master's degree and also have 4 years of comparable experience providing scientific and regulatory expertise related to infant formula and infant formula ingredients; Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry composition, and protein quality; Plans, conducts, and directs technical reviews in the scientific fields of nutrition, chemistry, biology, food science.
C.
Have a Doctorate/or JD degree and also have 2 year of comparable experience providing scientific and regulatory expertise related to infant formula and infant formula ingredients; Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry composition, and protein quality; Plans, conducts, and directs technical reviews in the scientific fields of nutrition, chemistry, biology, food science.
NOTE: Applicants must submit all relevant transcripts that demonstrate you possess the required education to meet the Basic Qualifications. Major Duties:
Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry and composition, including the evaluation of protein quality.
Provides assistance with reviews of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notices for new ingredients for infant formula and medical foods Provides specialized expertise in Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and other bioassay studies, including study orientations for new staff and continued trainings in the review of draft protocols and final reports.
Develops regulatory policy and guidance documents related to infant formula and medical foods, developing agency responses to citizen petitions.
Provides technical and policy input to support compliance and enforcement actions relating to infant formula and medical foods.
Conducts comprehensive technical reviews of PER bioassay study design, diet formulation, animal husbandry protocols, ingredient specifications, compositional analyses, and calculations, providing timely feedback to IFPRS and stakeholders regarding suitability of information to support protein quality for new infant formulas.
Maintains regulatory documentation by overseeing the administrative record of infant formula submissions relating to PER rat bioassay documents.
Conducts stakeholder engagement by meeting with representatives from industry and other groups to exchange information.
Leads preparation and deliver of oral presentations of information regarding protein quality and /or agency regulations and policies and meetings or conferences of the regulated industry, the scientific community, public interest groups, or governmental agencies
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