Physical Scientist (Fingerprint Specialist) - Direct Hire (Open Continuous Announcement)

About the role

This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory in Wichita, Kansas. Laboratory work encompasses a broad range of responsibilities critical to ATF's mission of combatting violent crime.

Responsibilities

• Physically examines a wide range of evidence from criminal investigations requiring the development and comparison of latent prints;
• Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to develop and compare latent prints in order to determine if they share a common origin;
• Draws conclusions based on fully documented physical examination of the evidence and interpretation of scientific results and prepares laboratory reports;
• Works with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services;
• Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.

Requirements

To qualify for the position of Physical Scientist (Fingerprint Specialist), at GS-1301-12, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below by the closing date of the announcement.

• A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
• Combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.
• 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.
• Specialized experience must include all of:
• Physically examining a wide range of evidence from criminal investigations requiring the development and comparison of latent prints;
• Performing comparative testing of finger/palm print evidence, both visible and latent, to determine if they share a common origin;
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions of examinations and comparisons of finger/palm print evidence performed;
• Formal training or experience providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of finger/palm print evidence.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

• 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.
• Specialized experience must include all of:
• Physically examining a wide range of evidence from criminal investigations requiring the development and comparison of latent prints;
• Performing comparative testing of finger/palm print evidence, both visible and latent, to determine if they share a common origin;
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions of examinations and comparisons of finger/palm print evidence performed;
• Formal training or experience providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of finger/palm print evidence.

Skills

The position is open until filled, but no later than July 10, 2026. You may only apply to this vacancy once. No updates will be permitted. If you incur changes to your credentials or eligibilities, please continue to review USAJOBS.