Criminalist IV (Forensic Biology)

About the role

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

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Forensic Biology Department and in addition to the duties and responsibilities of Criminalist III, performs professional and complex work in collection of evidence on site and in chemical, biological and physical laboratory analysis of evidentiary material. Typical tasks include but are not limited to the following:

• Supervise and train less experienced Criminalists.
• Supervise a POD of Criminalists involved in evidence collection on site and in complex scientific analyses of evidentiary material and specimens.
• Schedule and conduct training of subordinate Criminalists in new methods and techniques regarding evidence collection, preservation, and analyses.
• Review subordinates' laboratory reports, implement and maintain the quality control program within the laboratory.
• Direct the maintenance of laboratory equipment and/or calibrate analytical instruments.
• Liaise with other agency units, governmental agencies, investigators, and outside representatives regarding laboratory results and reports.
• Evaluate testimony of subordinates at court trials; serve as specific representative and testify in court as a qualified expert witness.
• Monitor technical developments and trends in the forensic field.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position has been identified as “essential.” During emergency events, “essential” positions may require 24-hour availability.

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.

Qualifications

For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B:

• In addition to meeting the qualification requirements 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 to Assignment Level II:

• One year of experience gained 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 of experience as described above.

For Assignment to Assignment Level III:

• Two years of experience gained 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 of experience as described above.

For Assignment to Assignment Level IV:

• Three years of experience gained 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 of experience as described above.

Additional Information

• Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required; the Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas.
• New York City residency is not required for this position.
• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.