Biologist (Forensic) Assistant DNA Technical Leader- Direct Hire (Open Continuous Announcement)

Full Job Description

This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory in Wichita, Kansas.

Laboratory work encompasses a broad range of responsibilities critical to ATF's mission of combatting violent crime.

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages. Basic Requirements A.

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

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

AND To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of: Performing DNA examinations on the most difficult evidence without technical guidance; AND Interpretting, evaluating, and analyzing the results of a variety of samples, including complex mixtures; AND Using laboratory policies, regulations, standard approaches, and methods to perform expert forensic DNA examinations; AND Evaluating new technology and developing or modifying analytical procedures to improve forensic DNA analysis; AND Acting as a project manager or coordinator of ongoing complex and unique projects or programs within the laboratory.

Experience as a qualified forensic DNA examiner in an accredited crime laboratory is preferred.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. Major Duties:

The incumbent serves as a Forensic Biologist and the Assistant DNA Technical Leader in a Forensic Science Laboratory within the Office of Science and Technology (OST) responsible for providing forensic support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions and technical guidance to laboratory personnel.

ATF Laboratory Services conducts scientific, technical, and physical analyses on evidentiary material and analyzes data connected with criminal investigations.

Functions as a leading technical expert in one or more specialized areas of forensic DNA analysis, providing leadership, advice, and assistance to ATF officials, laboratory personnel, other federal agencies, state and local government organizations, private laboratories, and industry.

Performs forensic DNA examinations of the highest complexity and analyzes a variety of samples including complex mixtures.

Provides training and guidance in technical duties and evaluates the analytical work of peers and lower graded biologists or technicians.

Evaluates new technology, methods, and/or scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.

Prepares laboratory reports and documents conclusions as well as interpretation of the analytical results.