Forensic Scientist (DNA)

DC Department of Human Resources; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) seeks a leader to oversee all aspects of technology, aligning unit operations with departmental goals and ensuring ISO 17025 and FBI QAS compliance. The role emphasizes strategic guidance of DNA analysis programs and quality assurance across the lab.

The incumbent will supervise analysis teams, ensure accurate case processing from intake to reporting, and maintain transparency and reliability for partner agencies and customers.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological sciences or related discipline.
• Experience with ISO 17025 and FBI QAS compliance.
• Ability to supervise and train scientists in forensic biology.
• Knowledge of DNA analysis and reporting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technology strategy for DFS and align with department goals.
• Ensure ISO 17025 accreditation compliance and QA standards are met.
• Prepare written reports, reviews, and affidavits as needed.
• Lead training and development of scientists within the unit.
• Perform/oversee DNA analyses and communicate results to stakeholders.

Skills

Quality assurance

Statistical analysis

Technical review

Lab operations

Leadership

Education

Biological sciences degree

Job description

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of DFS is to provide high quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

Incumbent is responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology in positioning DFS as a national leader in technology; and works in conjunction with the laboratory managers, supervisors and technical leader to ensure that technology and unit operations align with departmental goals and services. Additionally, incumbent ensures the technical aspects of the DNA Analysis program(s) are in compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards and the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)and are responsible for ensuring seamless unit operations including all aspects of forensic biology casework from case intake through lab processing and communication with customers.

Duties And Responsibilities

Performs laboratory analyses of physical evidence in one or more of the specialty disciples of the FSL, regularly demonstrates proficiency in assigned forensic specialty; participates in and completes externally administrated proficiency tests; demonstrates competency and on-going proficiency in laboratory processing, interpretation, comparisons, statistical analysis and technical review as authorized by the technical leader; ensures methodologies and procedures used are compliant with established standards, and is responsible for quality assurance and accreditation compliance activities. Evaluates existing DNA methods and proposes new analytical procedures for improved operations; and ensures that all associated quality standards pertaining to ISO 17025 and FBI QAS based accreditation status are being performed and met.

Prepares written scientific examination reports and affidavits to correlate with laboratory results; inspects equipment and tools that are utilized for testing and to determine if they are compliant with prescribed operating and safety standards, regulations and guidelines including manufacturer's specifications on computerized scientific equipment; interprets graphs, charts, and mathematical formulas. Completes an advance research project and/or performs a vital role in the overall operation of the unit by independently performing a high level task such as training and/or overseeing training of scientists, developing and validating new processes and procedures, or resolving common technical concerns relative to forensic biology operations; perform biology/DNA analyses on physical evidence; interprets test results, conducts comparisons, develops conclusions and statistical analyses and prepares final reports/results; completes technical review of peers work. Writes detailed reports of final analysis and results including inventory of DNA examined and submits reports to the appropriate investigative agency and/or authority or collaboratively with other employees.

Qualifications And Education

Degree: Biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as referenced above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience

Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensure and Certifications

None

Work Conditions/Environment

This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty

8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade

CS-0401-13

Promotion Potential

No known promotion potential

Type of Appointment

Career Service - Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-09, and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability

This position is designated as Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

Position Designation

This position has been designated as Emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an emergency employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference

When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.