Forensic Scientist (DNA)

General Job Information

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of DFS is to provide high quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

The Forensic Scientist (DNA) assists with technical laboratory work, which includes aspects of casework, accreditation, quality assurance and control programs within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

Major Duties

Performs laboratory analyses of physical evidence in one or more of the specialty disciples of the FSL, regularly demonstrates proficiency in assigned forensic specialty; participates in and completes externally administrated proficiency test; demonstrates competency and on-going proficiency in laboratory processing, interpretation, comparisons and statistical analysis steps as authorized by the technical leader; ensures methodologies and procedures used are compliant with established standards and is responsible for quality assurance and accreditation compliance activities.

Evaluates existing DNA methods and assists with proposing new analytical procedures; and ensures that all associated quality standards pertaining to ISO 17025 accreditation standards and FBI Quality Assurance Standards are being performed. Prepares written scientific examination reports and affidavits to correlate with laboratory results; inspects equipment and tools that are utilized for testing to determine if they are compliant with prescribed operating and safety standards, regulations and guidelines including manufacturer’s specifications on computerized scientific equipment; interprets graphs, charts, and mathematical formulas.

Qualifications and Education

Degree : biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

Combination of education and experience :  Courses equivalent to a major, as referenced plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized experience is typically required for positions above the entry level where applicants must have demonstrated that they possess the ability to perform successfully the duties of a position after a normal orientation period. Specialized experience is typically in or related to the work of the position to be performed, including, but not limited to reporting the interpretation of mixture DNA profiles in casework; interpreting and reporting highly complex DNA casework; and technical review of peers’ work.

Licensure and Certifications

N / A

Work Conditions / Environment

This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility.

The work environment includes office setting, laboratory conditions, training facility, and courtrooms. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, blood borne pathogens, and is required to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, etc.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty : Monday-Friday 8 : 30am – 5 : 00pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade : CS-0401-12

Promotion Potential : No known promotion potential

Type of Appointment :  Career Service - Term Appointment, Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 13-months. This is a grant funded position; continued employment will be contingent upon available funding.

Collective Bargaining Unit : This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-09, and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability : This position has been deemed Safety-Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, you must successfully pass a criminal background and drug and alcohol screening as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks, background investigations, and drug tests for the duration of your tenure.

Position Designation : This position has been designated as Emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential / emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions / operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference : Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement : The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.