Duties

Summary

Functional Purpose
Conducts forensic analyses to develop and identify latent prints utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in support of criminal and administrative investigations.

Facility Location
F & TSD LABORATORY
22433 RANDOLPH DR
DULLES, VA 20104-9998
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Responsibilities

Conducts forensic examinations of latent prints through the application of scientific practices for the recognition, collection, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory purposes to include examination of evidence using biological, chemical, and physical methods.

Examines and analyzes evidence and interprets scientific observations and data to render conclusions, form opinions and produce reports.

Provides expert witness testimony; produces comprehensive reports and illustrative exhibits for federal, state, and local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain evidence interpretations and conclusions from forensic examinations and scientific data to a lay audience.

Serves as a subject matter expert and technical advisor in matters relating to the proper collection, preservation, packaging, and submission of criminal evidence; participates in crime scene evidence collection activities in major field investigations; ensures evidence handling requirements are met.

Performs ongoing evaluation and validation of laboratory instrumentation and methods, operating protocols, and safety practices under supervision; maintains awareness of safety procedures and identifies possible physical conditions and/or laboratory procedures that may create unsafe conditions.

Delivers training in laboratory services, evidence collection, crime scene processing and field examination.

Conducts studies and research for improving forensic analyses, scientific methods, and criminal identification procedures.

Acts as liaison with postal management and federal, state, and local organizations on technical developments, forensic methods, and investigative problems of common interest.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
2

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Security clearance requires a background investigation, a criminal records check, and proof of U.S. citizenship. Qualified applicant (if not currently an Inspection Service employee) must successfully pass a drug screening to meet the Inspection Service's requirement.

Qualifications

The United States Postal Service has the following excellent and challenging employment opportunity for highly motivated and innovative individuals. Successful candidates must demonstrate through a combination of education, training, and experience the following requirements:

Requirements

Ability to communicate orally and in writing in order to prepare reports of examination results and conclusions, and provide testimony as an expert witness before state, federal or other judicial bodies.

Ability to provide training related to laboratory services, evidence collection, and field examination.

Ability to conduct and document scientific research related to latent print examinations.

Skill in the use of magnifiers and digital / optical enhancement instrumentation.

Knowledge of forensic science techniques, laboratory protocols, scientific methodologies, quality assurance standards and latent print examination procedures sufficient to conduct detailed and complex analyses and interpretation of the value of evidentiary items.

Ability to render conclusions/opinions and make recommendations based on scientific practices of recognition, collection, and interpretation of physical evidence related to latent print examinations.

Knowledge of evidence collection, preservation, packaging and shipment procedures sufficient to serve as a technical advisor in such matters and to ensure evidence handling requirements are met.

EDUCATION: Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in forensic science, physical or biological sciences, life sciences, chemistry or a closely related field from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accreditation organization recognized and sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education.

Education

Please read the "Qualifications" section.

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Please read the "Next steps" section.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Please read the "How To Apply" section.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.