Biologist (Forensic)-Direct Hire

The position is in the Forensic Science Laboratories within the Office of Science and Technology. Laboratory services consist of the Forensic Science Laboratories and Fire Research Laboratory. The laboratories provide highly technical and scientific services to support the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions.

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.

A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

B. Combination of education and experience:
Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND

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.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must meet the following specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE: C candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include all of the following
:

• Analyzing and interpreting DNA mixtures to perform statistical calculations for forensic DNA examinations to draw conclusions about the evidence; AND
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligibility, conclusions, and comparisons of forensic DNA examinations performed; AND
• Providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of biological evidence through formal training or practical application; AND
• Assisting with identifying a need for development of information, new methods, or novel approaches to address trends and or problems.

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.

You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (08/13/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.