Forensic Analyst SR

United States Postal Service; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Postal Service seeks a highly experienced forensic scientist to conduct complex analyses, provide expert testimony, and oversee evidence handling in criminal investigations. You will work with inspectors, law enforcement, and prosecutors, applying a broad range of scientific methods.

Responsibilities include quality control reviews, developing new techniques, training staff, and coordinating programs to keep laboratory procedures current.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, and methodologies used for complex analyses.
• Ability to prepare reports and provide testimony in court.
• Ability to train staff and supervise laboratory services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional presentations.
• Skill in microscopes and optical enhancement instruments.

Responsibilities

• Conducts highly complex forensic examinations by evaluating and utilizing a full range of scientific methods and forensic techniques.
• Provide expert witness testimony, produce reports and exhibits for federal, state, and local proceedings.
• Maintains quality control of forensic work products through ongoing reviews to ensure adherence to standards.
• Designs and conducts innovative scientific research to discover new forensic techniques and publish findings.
• Serves as a technical advisor in evidence collection and oversees crime scene team leadership.
• Oversees development and implementation of programs to keep procedures current with trends.
• Plans and conducts training for inspectors and law enforcement in laboratory services and field examination.
• Maintains professional network and leads inter-agency groups on national/global matters.
• Participates in professional associations and maintains certification in scientific disciplines.

Skills

Forensic science techniques

Quality assurance

Evidence handling

Analytical reporting

Court testimony

Training and supervision

Use of microscopes

Digital / optical enhancement tools

Tools

Microscope

Digital enhancement instruments

Job description

BENEFIT INFORMATION

• The salary will be based on previous experience, salary history, and current postal pay policies. We offer excellent benefits including health and life insurance, retirement plan, savings/investment plan with employer contribution, flexible spending, flextime scheduling of core work hours, annual and sick leave.

Functional Purpose

Conducts highly complex forensic analyses of evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies and forensic techniques in support of criminal investigations; conducts quality assurance reviews; provides expert testimony; assists inspectors, law enforcement representatives, and prosecutors in matters relating to forensic examinations; participates in the planning, development, and implementation of policies to advance the forensic discipline.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts highly complex forensic examinations by evaluating and utilizing a full range of scientific methods and forensic techniques.
• Provide expert witness testimony, produce comprehensive reports and illustrative exhibits for federal, state, and local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain evidence interpretation and conclusions from forensic examinations.
• Maintains quality control of forensic work products by conducting ongoing technical work reviews of forensic analysts to ensure forensic examinations are conducted in accordance with accepted analytical methods, scientific standards, and evidence handling requirements.
• Designs and conducts innovative and highly complex scientific research for the purpose of discovering new forensic techniques and validation methods and resolving forensic examination issues; develops detailed technical papers for publishing in scientific and forensic-related journals and publications.
• Serves as a technical advisor in matters relating to the proper collection, preservation, packaging, and submission of criminal evidence; oversees and serves as a crime scene team leader in evidence collection activities during major field investigations.
• Oversees and coordinates the development and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures to ensure laboratory procedures, forensic examinations, and evidence handling processes are up to date and reflective of current trends and techniques within the law enforcement and scientific communities.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts training to inspectors and other law enforcement officials in laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination training.
• Maintains an extensive professional network; serves as an authoritative source and provides recognized expert advice on technical developments, analytical techniques, and forensic examinations; leads inter-agency task groups in matters with a national or global scope.
• Participates in professional associations and scientific symposiums; maintains appropriate certification in scientific disciplines.

REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, scientific methodologies, and forensic examination procedures sufficient to conduct highly complex and unusually difficult analyses, interpret the value of evidentiary items, and provide court testimony.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and discipline principles, procedures, and protocols sufficient to conduct technical work reviews of analysts.
• Knowledge of proper evidence collection, preservation, packaging and shipment procedures sufficient to serve as a technical advisor in such matters, and to serve as a crime scene team leader for evidence collection activities during major field investigations.
• Ability to conduct complex scientific research and prepare detailed technical papers for publication and presentation at professional meetings.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in order to prepare reports of examination results and conclusions, and provide testimony as an expert witness before state, federal or other judicial bodies.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and conduct training regarding laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination.
• Skill in the use of microscopes and digital / optical enhancement instruments.
• Ability to develop and implement laboratory programs, policies and procedures to ensure laboratory services are reflective of current trends and techniques in the forensic document discipline.

Desirable Qualifications:

Certification: Certified Forensic Video Analyst (CFVA) from LEVA, Forensic Video Certification from IA I, and vendor certification.

Reimbursement of relocation expenses will NOT be authorized

Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service's requirement to be drug free.

Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status.