Forensic Chemist Advisor (ICITAP) – Kenya

About the role

Amentum, a contract service provider to the U.S. Department of Justice's ICITAP and OPDAT programs, is seeking a Forensic Chemist Advisor based in Kenya and available at various other locations as needed. The advisor is the principal subject matter expert in forensic examinations involving drugs and/or explosives chemistry, working alongside host-country experts and U.S. officials.

Key responsibilities

• Mentor host-country experts on training, techniques and procedures for collecting, preserving, examining, analyzing and producing evidence related to drugs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and homemade explosive compositions (HME)
• Advise and train host-country officials on the use, calibration, maintenance and testing of chemical analysis equipment, and on best practices for analysis, report writing and chain of custody records
• Work with U.S. officials from the Departments of State and Justice
• Facilitate meetings, lead working groups, develop reports and specialized papers, review and edit policies, and conduct briefings
• Possibly contribute advice on a national public health approach to new psychoactive substances (NPS)

Required profile

• Minimum of 10 years of forensic science experience with progressively greater responsibility in complex drug and/or explosives cases
• Minimum of 5 years of drug chemistry experience in an ISO 17025 accredited facility
• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry or a related field from a U.S. Department of Education recognized institution
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust certification from the U.S. DOJ

Required skills

• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and other analytical methods
• For drugs, experience implementing the DEA's GUARDS method
• Desired: experience applying chemical analysis to state or national drug strategies, terrorist criminal cases, and supervising forensic chemistry activities
• Desired: QA/QC inspection and validation experience, continuing education, foreign service skills, and experience training or advising foreign officials