Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) Direct Hire

This position is located in the Office of Science and Technology (OST), Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, in Beltsville, MD. It supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission.

Responsibilities

• Performs forensic fingerprint examinations with minimal technical guidance.
• 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.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

• Must be a 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.
• New employees must sign a mobility agreement. Applicants who decline to sign will be removed from the hiring process.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) position at the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements

• Degree: 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.
• OR Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience

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). Specialized experience includes:

• Examining physically 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.
• Providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of finger/palm print evidence (formal training or experience).

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

Education

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding.