Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Synthetic/Organic Chemistry

Organization
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Reference Code
DOJ-DEA-2021-01
How to Apply

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A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • An abstract or reprint
  • Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
12/10/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) located in Dulles, Virginia.

The DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory provides investigative support and executes multiple special programs for customers including the DEA Intelligence Division, DEA Special Agents, United States Drug Policymakers and other Nations. These special programs include drug signature and profiling of illicit drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl in order to provide strategic and tactical intelligence.

Research Project: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be actively involved with the synthesis of new and existing drugs and precursors currently encountered or potentially to be encountered in the illicit drug market. The participant will design novel synthetic pathways to unknown/known compounds, formulate and carry out synthetic procedures leading to purified compounds. The participant will possess a broad and thorough knowledge of organic synthetic chemistry and corresponding knowledge/experience with applicable laboratory techniques. The participant will also keep abreast of the latest developments in synthetic procedures so that new advances can be applied without delay to the solution of problems encountered.

Learning ObjectivesThe participant will learn to perform novel syntheses, hone synthetic skills, design novel syntheses, enhance purification skills, identify emerging compounds of abuse

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Thomas Duncan (Thomas.m.duncan@usdoj.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall/Winter 2021.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be extended for two additional years upon recommendation of DEA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only. 

ORISE InformationThis program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DEA. Participants do not become employees of DEA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email DEA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields listed in the eligibility requirements section below. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

Experience with experiment planning and execution, NMR, LCMS, and Chromatography is desired.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Engineering (1 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).