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Government Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Battelle

Chemist

Columbus, OH · On-site

... start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of ... Responsibilities The Chemist will support Battelle's Advanced Materials and Energetics team members ...

Battelle Memorial Institute

Chemist

Columbus, OH · On-site

... start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of ... Responsibilities The Chemist will support Battelle's Advanced Materials and Energetics team members ...

Piney Technical Services

Chemist

Kansas City, MO

Maintains organization's stability and reputation by complying with government regulations, cGMP ... Lab Environment, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry Techniques, Reporting Results, Safety ...

Cherokee Federal

Chemist I

Crane, IN · On-site

... Government meet permit and regulatory requirements. Compensation & Benefits: Estimated Starting ... Chemist I Responsibilities Include: * Support waste characterization and profile development ...

Noblis

Chemist - Novel Materials

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

The Journeyman Chemist will provide technical expertise supporting research, development, analysis ... Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for government stakeholders.

ProSidian Consulting

Chemist

Charlotte, NC · Remote

... State Government Agencies. Learn More About ProSidian Consulting at www.ProSidian.com. ProSidian Seeks a Chemist (Contract Contingent) in Charlotte, NC / Remote to support an engagement for an ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

Austin, TX

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

Tucson, AZ

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

Orlando, FL

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

San Jose, CA

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

Provo, UT

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

El Paso, TX

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

Raytheon

Principal Propellant Chemist

Dallas, TX

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

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Government Chemist information

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How much do government chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for government chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do government chemists typically work?

Government chemists typically work in laboratories within government agencies such as law enforcement, public health, or environmental departments. They may also work in field settings for sample collection or inspection, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and analytical techniques. These roles usually involve standard working hours in secure, controlled environments.

What is the highest paid chemist job?

The highest paid chemist roles are often in pharmaceutical research, chemical engineering, or executive positions such as Chief Chemist or Director of Chemistry, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Senior-level chemists with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest compensation in the field.

What is a Government Chemist job?

A Government Chemist is a scientist who works for a government agency or department, conducting research, analysis, and testing on chemicals, materials, and substances. They ensure public safety by monitoring environmental pollutants, food safety, pharmaceuticals, and forensic evidence. Their work supports regulatory enforcement, policy development, and legal proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government Chemist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Chemist, you need a strong background in analytical chemistry, laboratory techniques, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with instruments like gas/liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is often required, along with any necessary certifications in chemical safety or handling hazardous materials. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help chemists document results accurately and work collaboratively with colleagues. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring reliable analytical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and public safety in governmental laboratory settings.

Is there a high demand for chemists?

The demand for government chemists remains steady due to ongoing needs in public safety, environmental monitoring, and forensic analysis. Employment opportunities are often influenced by government budgets, regulations, and the requirement for specialized skills such as laboratory analysis and report writing.

What skills do government chemists need?

Government chemists need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of laboratory techniques and safety protocols. Proficiency with scientific instruments, data analysis, and report writing are essential, along with relevant certifications or degrees in chemistry or a related field.

What are some typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Government Chemist?

As a Government Chemist, your daily tasks often include preparing and analyzing samples, conducting experiments using specialized instrumentation, and interpreting analytical data to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. You may be responsible for drafting detailed reports, maintaining accurate laboratory records, and presenting findings to supervisors or regulatory agencies. Collaboration with other scientists, public health officials, or environmental experts is common, especially on multidisciplinary projects. Depending on the agency, you might also participate in field sampling, method development, or ongoing quality control assessments.

More about Government Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Government Chemist job openings:
What states have the most Government Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Chemist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Chemist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Chemist jobs are:
Government Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Chemist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 9% Internship, 73% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.
Chemist

Chemist

Battelle

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

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 from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Battelle's Advanced Materials and Energetics Group is seeking to hire a Chemist. The selected candidate will be expected to conduct laboratory experimentation, data compilation and analysis, and literature searches under the guidance of a senior scientist. The selected candidate will support the synthesis, purification, modification, and characterization of a broad range of small molecules, particularly polymerizable monomers with designed molecular structures, as well as polymerization of these monomers using various polymerization techniques. The successful individual will demonstrate attention to detail, diligent laboratory safety discipline, and high aptitude in execution of organic synthesis, purification, and polymerization.
Responsibilities
The Chemist will support Battelle's Advanced Materials and Energetics team members in polymer nanoparticle synthesis, purification, characterization, and data analysis for a variety of applications. The selected candidate will:
  • Polymerize monomers using controlled living polymerization techniques.
  • Purify the products of synthesis reactions.
  • Characterize the products of chemical reactions using analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, dynamic light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.
  • Contribute to design, development, and maintenance of novel high-throughput synthesis and characterization processes.
  • Execute novel conjugation chemistry schemes to modify monomers and/or polymers.
  • Assist in designing experiments resulting in improved synthetic methods to produce novel targeted small molecular monomers.
  • Keep detailed laboratory documentation related to process steps, observations, and results.
  • Support periodic status reports summarizing procedures, protocols, and experimental data.
  • Assist in the interpretation of results and writing of small sections of technical reports.
  • Maintain a safe, well-stocked and clean laboratory.
  • Complete assigned project work within schedule and budget constraints.
  • Assist with the development of SOPs and continuous process improvement initiatives.
  • Contribute to internal research and development studies.
  • Build relationships with internal clients, as needed.
  • Assist with proposal efforts, as needed.
  • Support business development efforts led by others.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Key Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • 0-2 years of relevant work experience
  • Experience with synthesis, purification, and characterization of polymeric materials, biomaterials, and/or nanoparticles.
  • Good laboratory and documentation skills.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to produce detailed experimental procedures.
  • Ability to summarize results in spreadsheets, written reports, and presentation formats.
  • Experience with conducting laboratory work and searching technical literature is required.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability and willingness to submit to a background check for obtaining clearances for classified government projects, if necessary, to support project objectives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Understanding of chromatography, polymerization techniques, and use of appropriate analytical instruments to characterize compounds, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, light scattering, spectroscopy, and/or mass spectrometry.
  • Working knowledge of theoretical and practical polymer chemistry and organic chemistry.
  • Familiarity with ChemDraw or similar chemical notation program.
  • Experience working with robotics, automation, and/or LIMS software.
  • Experience working in a GLP environment.
  • Research experience in a chemistry or chemical engineering setting to include experience with chemical handling.
  • Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, and follow instructions.
  • Ability to compile and clearly communicate information from numerous technical resources to support research objectives.
  • Experience in engineering model development.
  • Experience using computer programming to analyze complex data sets (e.g., Python, Matlab).

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.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
  • 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.

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
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative 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, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers

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