Dfs: 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Forensic Scientist (DNA) ensures the technical aspects of the DNA Analysis program(s) are in compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards and the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is responsible for ensuring seamless unit operations including all aspects of forensic biology casework from case intake through lab processing and communication with customers.

The incumbent performs laboratory analyses of physical evidence in one or more of the specialty disciples of the FSL, regularly demonstrates proficiency in assigned forensic specialty; participate in and completes externally administrated proficiency test; demonstrates competency and on-going proficiency in laboratory processing, interpretation, comparisons, statistical analysis and technical review 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.

Qualifications and Education

Bachelor's or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry or forensic science-related area is required; documented training in statistics or population genetics is required; OR

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Incumbent shall have successfully completed coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas with a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours where the following topics were an integral component of the coursework: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Any analyst appointed on or after June 2019 must have successfully completed coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics.

Specialized experience to include the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, 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 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: 8:30am

• 5:00pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0401-13

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Type of Appointment: Career Service

• Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-05, 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 Essential 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.