Criminalist II (Molecular Genetics)

About the role

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates deaths in New York City resulting from criminal violence, accidents, suicide, sudden death in apparent good health, unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility, or in any suspicious or unusual manner, as well as cases where a cremation permit is requested. The agency’s core values—Commitment, Accountability, Resilience, Excellence, and Service—guide its work and inform interactions with communities and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Participate in casework rotation: perform sample accession and processing, case sign-in and intake database reviews, sample cutting and extraction, DNA quantitation and sample preparation, Sanger and next-generation sequencing procedures and data analysis, and administrative review of case reports.
• Participate in quality control rotation: perform instrument maintenance and performance checks, conduct laboratory cleaning, and manage reagents/supplies inventory and preparation.
• Participate in validation rotation: conduct validation projects and provide validation plans and summaries.
• Participate in the training and competency assessment program.
• Perform 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.

Assignment Levels

• Assignment Level I-B: In addition to the degree requirement, at least one year of full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science, or analytic chemistry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Assignment Level II: 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 totaling two years of relevant experience.
• Assignment Level III: 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 totaling three years of relevant experience.
• Assignment Level IV: 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 totaling four years of relevant experience.

Skills

The most eligible candidate will possess technical skills relevant to molecular genetics laboratory operations, including DNA extraction, quantitation, sequencing, data analysis, quality control, instrument maintenance, and validation procedures.

Special Notes

• Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
• This position is identified as essential; during emergency events, essential positions may require 24-hour availability.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required; the Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not sponsor visas for international employees.