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

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 Bureaus 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.

Conditions of employment

Key Requirements:

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

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATFs mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement as required will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

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.