Forensic Examiner 2 - DNA

Appointment Type: Full-Time Regular A (FTR-A)

Location: Ft. Gillem, GA (and OCONUS)

*Salary Range: $79,996.80 - $104,020.80/year

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.

• 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.

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.

*The candidate’s starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate’s qualifications to determine salary.

ELIGIBLE FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

TOTAL REWARDS

ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU’s business objectives.  The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Legally required benefits
• Group Health insurance including: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement plan access
• Disability insurance
• Group life insurance
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Section 125 reimbursement accounts
• Other voluntary employee paid benefit and insurance offerings,

The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible work schedules or compressed work weeks
• Occupational Health and Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program