Criminalista II (Biología Forense)

Arrival NYC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York City Department of Veterans' Services is seeking a Criminalist IV to assist in conducting scientific analyses on biological specimens within the Forensic Biology Department of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York.

Responsibilities include locating physiological material, maintaining chain-of-custody, interpreting DNA results, preparing reports, and testifying before grand juries and courts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with specialization in criminalistics/forensic science/biology/chemistry or closely related field.
• One year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics or forensic science for Assignment Level I-B.
• Two years of qualifying experience for Assignment Level II or a combination totaling two years.
• Three years total experience for Assignment Level III.
• Four years total experience for Assignment Level IV.

Responsibilities

• Locates and identifies physiological material during examination of swabs and evidence.
• Ensures integrity of evidence and chain-of-custody forms.
• Compiles data and paperwork to create case files.
• Interprets DNA test results.
• Prepares and signs reports reflecting results of analyses.
• Distributes and files scientific results and documents to lab staff.
• Develops, searches, and submits DNA profiles for database entry.
• Performs quality assurance and QA/QC processing.

Skills

DNA interpretation

Criminalistics

Evidence handling

Testimony skills

Education

Baccalaureate degree in criminalistics/forensic science/related field

Tools

Chain-of-custody documentation

Forensic laboratory equipment

Job description

The New York City Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) connects, mobilizes, and empowers New York City's Veteran community in order to foster purpose-driven lives for New York City Service Members – past and present – in addition to their caregivers, survivors, and families.

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. The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.

• 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.

Requirements

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Experienced (non-manager)