Biologist (Forensic)-Direct Hire

About the role

The position is in the Forensic Science Laboratories within the Office of Science and Technology. Laboratory services consist of the Forensic Science Laboratories and Fire Research Laboratory. The laboratories provide highly technical and scientific services to support the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions. Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.

Duties

The major duties of the Biologist (Forensic) position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs DNA examinations without technical guidance.
• Enters DNA profiles into the FBI Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
• Evaluates analytical work of peers and lower graded examiners or technicians.
• Provides investigative leads through observations and analysis of evidentiary material.

Requirements

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• 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 ATF's 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

To qualify for the Biologist (Forensic) position at the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Minimum Qualifications: 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.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must meet the following specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement.

Experience: Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include all of the following:

• Analyzing and interpreting DNA mixtures to perform statistical calculations for forensic DNA examinations to draw conclusions about the evidence;
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligibility, conclusions, and comparisons of forensic DNA examinations performed;
• Providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of biological evidence through formal training or practical application;
• Assisting with identifying a need for development of information, new methods, or novel approaches to address trends and or problems.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (08/13/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

This position requires a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position or courses equivalent to a major, as shown above. Please refer to the Qualifications section for full details. Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.