Biologist; Forensic Assistant DNA Technical Leader Continuous

Overview

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.

• 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.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation

Mobility Plan: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The mobility plan facilitates movement of employees through short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Basic Requirements

• Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, OR
• Combination of education and experience:
  Courses equivalent to a major plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized experience is demonstrated experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or related to the work of the position.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of

• Performing DNA examinations on the most difficult evidence without technical guidance
• Interpreting, evaluating, and analyzing results of a variety of samples, including complex mixtures
• Using laboratory policies, regulations, standard approaches, and methods to perform expert forensic DNA examinations
• Evaluating new technology and developing or modifying analytical procedures to improve forensic DNA analysis
• 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. See the Required Documents section for notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be used to meet requirements if properly evaluated and documented. If qualifying on foreign education, submit proof of credibility as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application.

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements and may be interviewed and selected from the qualified pool. Direct-Hire Authority is noted;
Veterans Preference and other Category Rating procedures do not apply. See OPM for more information. ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Selective Service requirements apply where applicable. See the agency's notices for ethical obligations, CTAP/ICTAP, and other guidance. Review our benefits and eligibility information for federal employment.