Advance Your Career: Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) with the DEA

Are you a seasoned forensic scientist looking to leverage your expertise for a vital national mission? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) based in Quantico, Virginia. This high-level position offers the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between rigorous laboratory analysis and technical instruction, ensuring that the next generation of forensic experts is equipped with the knowledge needed to secure justice.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a senior technical authority. Your core duties include:

Performing complex scientific examinations on suspected controlled substances and trace evidence.
Identifying, quantifying, and interpreting irreplaceable or highly complex evidence samples.
Designing and delivering detailed forensic science curricula for DOJ examiners, military lawyers, and criminal investigators.
Serving as a research scientist to solve complex forensic problems and improve laboratory capabilities.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must satisfy specific academic and professional criteria:

Academic Prerequisites

You must hold a degree in physical or life sciences or engineering, including:

At least 30 semester hours in chemistry.
Coursework in mathematics through differential and integral calculus.
At least 6 semester hours of physics.

Specialized Experience

Candidates for the GS-14 level must possess at least one full year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, demonstrating:

Authority in forensic laboratory operations.
Development of training programs.
Proficiency in laboratory accreditation standards (ISO/quality management).
Experience with federal forensic policy and analytical audits.

Feature	Details
Agency	Drug Enforcement Administration
Location	Quantico, Virginia
Grade	GS-14
Salary	$143,913 - $187,093/year
Closing Date	September 10, 2026

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal compensation package ranging from $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with qualifications and established federal pay scales.

Benefits

Federal employment with the DEA includes an extensive benefits package:

Health and Wellness: Diverse federal health insurance options.
Retirement: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and federal pension eligibility.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
Support: Potential for relocation incentives and approved telework arrangements.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-length resumes will be removed from consideration.
Be Specific: Include clear start/end dates, hours per week, and a thorough description of your duties for each relevant role.
Submit Documentation: Don't forget your official transcripts and SF-50 documents to prove your grade level.

Serving as a Supervisory Chemist with the DEA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our country. If you possess the leadership, technical skill, and passion for forensics, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and submit your application before the September 10, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) Job Matters

Shape the future of forensic science as a Senior Supervisory Chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) Job Overview

The DEA is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) to join our team in Quantico, Virginia. In this role, you will serve as a technical authority in forensic chemistry, conduct complex evidence analysis, and design high-level instructional curricula for law enforcement and scientific personnel. You will play a vital role in national security by advancing forensic capabilities and upholding the integrity of the justice system.

Requirements for Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction)

U.S. Citizenship.
Completion of a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, plus mathematics through calculus and 6 semester hours of physics.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must pass a mandatory drug screening.
Completion of OPM Time-in-Grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
Must be able to provide official college transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction)

Proven track record serving as a technical authority in forensic laboratory settings.
Experience developing and delivering training programs for diverse scientific or investigative personnel.
Deep familiarity with ISO or other laboratory accreditation standards and quality management systems.
Expertise in interpreting and implementing federal forensic regulations and policies.
Demonstrated ability to audit and assess analytical methods and laboratory operations.
Proficiency in evaluating and integrating cutting-edge forensic technologies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Competitive federal retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
✓Flexible work options including potential telework agreements.
✓Relocation incentives may be available for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Submit your application and complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including official transcripts and applicable SF-50 forms.
Certify that all answers provided are original and not generated by AI.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal notifications.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Ensure your resume details specific dates, work schedules, and hours per week for each role.
Use the assessment questionnaire to thoughtfully articulate your passion for public service.
Review your SF-50 documentation carefully to confirm you meet time-in-grade requirements.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The primary purpose is to serve as a senior technical authority in forensic chemistry, performing expert-level analysis of complex evidence while designing educational programs for forensic and legal personnel.

Is telework an option for this position?

Yes, telework may be permitted for this position, subject to supervisory approval and agency policy.

What should I include in my two-page resume?

Your resume must include your name, contact information, relevant work and volunteer experience, education, and training. Be sure to include job titles, descriptions of duties, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.

What type of security clearance is required?

This position is designated as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk and requires a Top Secret security clearance.

Can I apply if I have foreign education?

Yes, but you must provide evidence that the education is equivalent to an accredited U.S. institution.

Job from Drug Enforcement Administration

The Drug Enforcement Administration stands as the nation’s premier organization for enforcing controlled substance laws. DEA employees are united by a tough but vital mission: to keep Americans safe from dangerous drugs and the trafficking organizations that supply them. Working at the DEA provides a challenging, dynamic environment where your technical work directly contributes to national security.