Criminalist III (Forensic Biology)

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person. Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs

For placement in the Molecular Serology group, under the direction of a City Research Scientist, Level IV, and in addition to the duties and responsibilities of Criminalist II, the selected candidate is responsible for conducting research/investigations primarily focused on the identification of proteomes in forensically relevant body fluids by mass spectrometry as well as conducting the scientific analyses performed on physical evidence brought to the Forensic Biology department. Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Assists in research/investigations of new laboratory methods and procedures.
- Performs bench work in molecular serology from sample preparation and extraction through mass spectrometry including the analysis of data.
- May assist in development, validation, and implementation of new laboratory methods and procedures, and evaluate and recommend modifications of existing testing procedures to improve biological analysis.
- Performs a wide range of scientific analyses of simple and complex cases.
- Performs technical reviews on laboratory assays, case files, and negative reports and administrative reviews of reports and case files.
- Acts as a forensic expert and testifies before grand juries and civil and criminal courts of in the City of New York relating to the scientific analyses conducted related to responsibilities.
- Participates in quality control and quality assurance programs as described in the Forensic Biology manuals.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Previous experience in the use of proteomics to identify forensically relevant body fluids is desirable.

SPECIAL NOTE:
1. To be qualified as a DNA reporting analyst, candidates must submit college transcripts proving successfully passing (grade C- or greater) the following course requirements: Graduate or undergraduate level courses covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis for a total of nine credit hours. These course requirements will be audited by the DNA Technical Leader.
2. Candidates will be assigned within the department as operationally required.
3. The selection process may include a written examination, followed by an oral interview.
4. Candidates must demonstrate accurate color vision in order to notice subtle shades of color in the detection of body fluids and colorimetric tests when performing job.
5. Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing. This is an essential staff position. During emergency events, “essential” positions may require 24-hour availability.
6. To maintain employment and for promotional opportunities, selected candidates may be required to undergo an FBI background check. This check encompasses a thorough examination of their criminal record, encompassing both arrest and conviction history.
7. Must have at least 6 months experience as an interpreting analyst in molecular serology case work.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
This position has been identified as “essential”. During emergency events, “essential “positions require 24-hour availability.

WORK AUTHORIZATION:
Authorization to work in the United States is not required to apply for this position, however authorization is required before employment can begin. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of employment. The City of New York may be able to provide assistance with employment-based visa sponsorship, but OCME cannot guarantee sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas.

All employees must obtain any licenses, certifications, or endorsements that are required for their position by any regulatory agency of appropriate jurisdiction. Any such required license, certification or endorsement shall be obtained within three months of appointment to the title, unless otherwise specified. Any required licenses, certifications, or endorsements must be maintained for the duration of the assignment and must be updated or renewed whenever the regulatory agency issues a modification or revision to the requirement.

CRIMINALIST - 21849

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.

2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.

3. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.

4. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.

5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.