Criminalist II (Forensic Biology)

DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENE; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health/Mental Hygiene's Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City seeks a Criminalist to assist in forensic analyses of biological specimens. Responsibilities include identifying physiological material, maintaining chain-of-custody, and preparing reports reflecting findings.

The role involves testifying about scientific investigations, participating in QA/QC, and staying current with advances in forensic biology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a closely related field.
• One year of relevant experience preferred, including criminalistics or analytic chemistry.
• New York City residency is not required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting scientific analyses on biological specimens in the Forensic Biology Department.
• Locate and identify physiological material during exams of evidence; maintain chain-of-custody forms.
• Prepare, sign, and file reports reflecting the results of analyses and educate staff on findings.

Skills

DNA analysis

Criminalistics

Forensic biology

Report writing

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science

Tools

DNA profiling tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

This is a time-limited, grant funded position that is approved through September 2027. Appointment is contingent upon the availability and continuation of grant funding for the duration of the award. Employment beyond this period is not guaranteed.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

Core Values of CARES

• - Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
• - Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
• - Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
• - Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
• - Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs

Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Department of Forensic Biology and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist IV, the selected candidate will be responsible for assisting in conducting scientific analyses performed on biological specimens brought to the Forensic Biology Department of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York. Duties will include but are not limited to:

• - Locates and identifies physiological material during the exam of swabs, sexual assault kits, and evidence items submitted to the Department of Forensic Biology in connection with investigation of cases.
• - Ensures integrity of evidence and chain-of-custody forms.
• - Complies data and additional paperwork to create a case file.
• - Interprets DNA test results.
• - Prepares and signs reports which reflect the results of the scientific analyses.
• - Prepares, distributes, and/or files scientific results and/or documents to appropriate laboratory staff and/or locations.
• - Develop, searches, and submits DNA profiles for database entry.
• - Performs technical and administrative review on written report and case file records of administratively closed, negative serology, and negative DNA cases.
• - Testifies concerning the results of scientific investigations before grand juries, civil, and criminal jurisdictions.
• - Participates in competency testing and proficiency testing programs.
• - Participates in quality assurance and quality control programs as described in the manual of the Department of Forensic Biology.
• - Participates in all required training programs as determined by QA/QC, training, and supervisory staff.
• - Stays abreast of emerging technological advances in areas of expertise.
• - Other duties as assigned.

CRIMINALIST - 21849

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following: 1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
4. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following: 1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following: 1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.