Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) Direct Hire

The Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST), Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, in Beltsville, MD. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission. Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.

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

A. 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

B. 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.

AND 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:

• 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. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. 1 24 hours from the closing date of this announcement (08/27/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.