Forensic Biologist Continuous

Summary

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.

This is an open continuous announcement, open until July 10, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

• Performs routine forensic DNA examinations with limited technical guidance.
• Performs DNA extractions, quantifications, amplifications and short tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing techniques, along with data analysis, mixture interpretation and statistical calculations.
• Draws conclusions based on fully documented physical examination of the evidence and interpretation of the analytical results and prepares laboratory reports.
• Works with senior examiners to conduct research or evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
• Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National.
• May be required to serve a one‑year probationary period.
• Must pass drug screening and subject to random drug testing.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.

Basic Requirements

• Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• OR combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience (must meet all of the following):

• Examining a wide variety of evidence from criminal investigations for the presence of biological material.
• Analyzing, interpreting, and applying statistical calculations to the results of forensic DNA examinations to draw conclusions about the evidence.
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions and comparisons of forensic DNA examinations performed.
• Formal training or experience providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of biological evidence.

OR successful completion of a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree, or at least 3 full academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education toward such a degree, with coursework in an appropriate major field.

OR successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non‑merit factor.