Forensic Examiner 2 - DNA

Overview:
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Full-Time Regular (FTR-A)
PURPOSE: To perform independent routine to complex technical examinations of evidence to include DNA analyses. Responsible for conducting specialized analytical procedures, conducting examination of evidence, and providing reports. Responsible for providing direction and guidance to less experienced DNA examiners.Responsibilities:

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  Performs routine to moderately complex analyses, tests, and examinations involving a variety of biological materials; Safeguards evidence and maintains chain-of-custody through the use of physical protocols and applicable documentation. Ensures safety precautions and applicable regulations are followed.

• Conducts examinations and experiments utilizing well defined methods and a variety of scientific tools, equipment, instrumentation and techniques; Identifies and initiates appropriate steps to solve a variety of analytical problems; Performs transfer of technology, methods development and validation applicable to analysis of evidence; Identifies research requirements to enhance examination methods and coordinates with the client’s and other research components as necessary; Provides guidance to junior examiners regarding the nature and extent of examinations to be conducted on more complex materials and items of evidence.

• Prepares and furnishes authoritative oral and written reports to facilitate investigative, intelligence, prosecution and other functions that support mission requirements. The reports will require the ability to clearly convey the opinions and findings as determined through detailed examinations and analysis. Updates case management and other database systems as required.

• Coordinates routine to moderately complex matters related to scope of analyses with other laboratory units, outside agencies, and related entities.

• Provides authoritative support to the client and other components within a multi-agency activity. Participates in liaison and meetings with officials from outside agencies to coordinate cases of mutual interest. May provide training regarding the analytical process and related functions consistent with the needs of the client.

• Presents court testimony regarding examination of evidence as necessary to support mission requirements.

• Travel: OCONUS deployment required on rotational basis.

Qualifications:

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  Bachelor's degree in Biology, Forensic Science, Chemistry or related discipline.
• Must have six (6) years of direct experience working in a forensic laboratory performing DNA analysis on criminal evidence, including blood and bloodstains, body fluids, and stains of body fluids, hair and other items requiring DNA or related analysis; generation of DNA profiles, performance of visual and microscopic examination of hairs; comparison of evidence from victims, scenes, or instruments of incidents to evidence from suspects.
• Must have one (1) year of experience as the lead of a team of DNA analysts. Professional certification such as American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) is desired.
• Must have professional knowledge of the principles, theories, methods and technical procedures used to analyze evidence containing biological material for DNA.
• Must have knowledge of general forensic laboratory case working procedures, quality control and safety procedures; knowledge of ISO quality standards for testing and calibration laboratories and/or the standards of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD/LAB) Laboratory Accreditation Board.
• Must be familiar with or have working knowledge of other disciplines within a forensic laboratory to assure that examinations are consistent with accepted protocols and that casework is properly coordinated with other forensic specialties as necessary.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate results of analyses.
• Must have knowledge of legal procedures and rules of evidence to handle evidence appropriately and provide effective testimony.
• Must be able to perform analyses and administrative functions within prescribed parameters set by client facilities regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
• Must pass U.S. Government security background investigation and be able to obtain & maintain Secret security clearance.
• Must pass both a physical and dental examination (as required for OCONUS assignment).
• Must possess a current U.S. Government issued passport.