Job Description

Physical Scientist - Tool Marks

RECRUITMENT ONLY

PURPOSE: Independently performs routine to moderately complex technical examinations and provides assistance to Forensic Examiners in the examination of evidence to include tool mark analyses.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives inventories, delivers evidence, and maintains chains-of-custody. Coordinates movement of evidence among various technical specialties within the forensic laboratory and other entities in conjunction with tool mark analyses. Prepares detailed laboratory notes.

• Assists Senior Examiners performing routine to moderately complex analyses, tests, and examinations involving a variety of materials.

• Assists Senior Examiners conducting assigned examinations and experiments utilizing well defined methods and a variety of scientific tools, equipment, instrumentation, and techniques. Participates with senior examiners to decide the nature and extent of examinations to be conducted on more complex materials and items of evidence.

• Assists Senior Examiners coordinating routine to moderately complex matters related to scope of analyses with other laboratory units, outside agencies, and related entities.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

• May assist during the collection and/or processing of items of evidence in a field environment. May provide basic instruction and guidance to entry level employees and/or assist in the training of new employees as assigned by senior examiners.

• May assist senior personnel in research studies by obtaining factual information and/or conducting routine tests/experiments.

• Photographs evidence.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university/college with a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours in physical or life science (chemistry, biology, geology, etc.) and one to two years’ experience required; prefer one (1) year recent experience as a Physical Scientist in an accredited laboratory. For three of the five (5) years immediately prior to applying for the specific contract position, the individual must have 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capability; or 3) be a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas. These individuals must, however, be United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens. Must have knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of tool mark analysis using microscopic and technical techniques. Must have knowledge of the characteristics and application of scientific equipment, instrumentation and tools to obtain data that is accurate and reliable. Must possess the ability to follow established methods and procedures when processing evidence. Must have knowledge of examination techniques and skill to perform analytical processes to obtain technical information about items of evidence. Must have ability to identify moderately complex modifications of procedures and techniques to solve problems and/or improve the quality of results. Knowledge of laboratory, scientific, and administrative procedures required. Must have experience in using laboratory equipment and techniques. Knowledge of Laboratory safety practices and skill in complying with safety requirements to perform functions safely is required. Demonstrated experience in performing tool mark analyses in a laboratory environment required. Must have demonstrated skill in oral and written communications to include technical briefings related to examination results. Must have demonstrated experience in communicating results of scientific examinations both orally and in writing. Must be able to plan work and carry out work independently. Specialized Requirements: (1) Must successfully complete and pass the FBI Laboratory/TEDAC training requirements. (2) Must successfully complete an FBI competency test within the time period as set forth by the FBI Laboratory/TEDAC program. At a minimum, the competency test will include: Examination of sufficient unknown samples to cover the anticipated spectrum of job duties and evaluation of his/her ability to perform suitable testing methods; and a written or oral examination to assess his/her knowledge of the discipline, category of testing, or task being performed. An active or reinstatable TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance is required for this position.