Basic Requirements

To qualify at the GS-5 level, candidates must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical sciences, life sciences or engineering. Such course of study must have included 30 semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of physics, and mathematics through differential and integral calculus; OR possess a combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to a major mentioned above, to include at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

To qualify at the GS-7 level, all the requirements for a GS-5 must be met in addition to one of the following:

• One year of professional experience in or directly related to chemistry;
  
  
• Thirty semester hours of graduate study in chemistry or a closely related field;
  
  
• A 3.0 grade point average (A=4.0) or equivalent in all undergraduate courses completed (up to time of application or during last two years of undergraduate work). Standing in the upper third of the graduating class in undergraduate work;
  
  
• A 3.5 grade point average or equivalent in chemistry or closely related major field of undergraduate study (up to time of application or during the last two years of the class in undergraduate work); or
  
  
• Election to membership in one of the recognized National Honorary Societies.

To qualify at the GS-9 level, candidates must possess a Master's Degree in an appropriate academic discipline. Otherwise, all ratings for higher-graded positions are based upon level of professional chemist work experience.

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