Forensic Biology Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of the DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.
This position serves as a Forensic Scientist Manager (Forensic Chemistry Unit) responsible for ensuring the day-to-day forensic chemistry operations (e.g., case management, laboratory procurement, grant administration) of the FCU are achieved to the expectations of the Department of Forensic Science and the stakeholders .
Duties and Responsibilities
Leads for forensic chemistry program operations, casework management, program coordination and grant administration. Oversees forensic chemistry operations and assists the Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader in the evaluation of existing scientific methods and implementation of new analytical procedures.
Works with the Technical Leader of the FCU in ensuring that the methodologies and procedures used in performing casework are in compliance with established standards and accreditation requirements and remain appropriate and relevant in the context of emerging technologies.
Qualifications and Education
Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry. supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
Or
Combination of education and experience - course work equivalent to a major, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience, or additional education.
Licensures and Certifications
N/A
Work Environment
The work is performed in an office and Forensic Science Laboratory. Work involves regular and recurring exposure in a controlled environment to irritant chemicals and potentially infectious specimens. Required safety precautions including, but not limited to, protective clothing (e.g., laboratory coats and gloves) and eye protection (e.g., safety goggles). The office setting is when preparing documentation and the laboratory setting is during the testing and analysis phase. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, and blood borne pathogens and is required to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing gear such as laboratory coats, fume hoods, safety goggles, radiation badges, aprons, gloves, and shields, etc. and to adopt sterile techniques.
The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-1320 -14
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Type of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS) Regular Appointment.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement
Position Suitability: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an essential employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming Residency Preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.