Criminalist IB (Forensic Biology)

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. Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need. 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

About the role

Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Department of Forensic Biology and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, level IV, the selected candidate will assist 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.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the DNA analysis of evidentiary material such as hairs, body fluids, and other biological evidence, using state-of-the-art molecular techniques.
• Performs administrative review on case files for casework.
• Receives comprehensive training and instruction in the various techniques used in the collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of evidentiary materials.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other training and development activities.
• Receives training in the routine preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• For Assignment Level I-B: In addition to the above, 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.
• For Assignment Level II: One of the following:
  • One year of experience as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or
  • Two years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science; or
  • A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years.
• For Assignment Level III: One of the following:
  • Two years of experience as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or
  • Three years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science; or
  • A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years.
• For Assignment Level IV: One of the following:
  • Three years of experience as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and/or III; or
  • Four years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science; or
  • A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
• This position has been identified as essential. During emergency events, essential positions may require 24-hour availability.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required; sponsorship for visas is not provided.
• New York City residency is not required for this position.