Criminalist II (Forensic Biology)

About the role

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.

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

Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Department of Forensic Biology and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist IV, the selected candidate will be responsible for assisting in conducting scientific analyses performed on biological specimens brought to the Forensic Biology Department of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York. Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Locates and identifies physiological material during the exam of swabs, sexual assault kits, and evidence items submitted to the Department of Forensic Biology in connection with investigation of cases.
• Ensures integrity of evidence and chain-of-custody forms.
• Complies data and additional paperwork to create a case file.
• Interprets DNA test results.
• Prepares and signs reports which reflect the results of the scientific analyses.
• Prepares, distributes, and/or files scientific results and/or documents to appropriate laboratory staff and/or locations.
• Develop, searches, and submits DNA profiles for database entry.
• Performs technical and administrative review on written report and case file records of administratively closed, negative serology, and negative DNA cases.
• Testifies concerning the results of scientific investigations before grand juries, civil, and criminal jurisdictions.
• Participates in competency testing and proficiency testing programs.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality control programs as described in the manual of the Department of Forensic Biology.
• Participates in all required training programs as determined by QA/QC, training, and supervisory staff.
• Stays abreast of emerging technological advances in areas of expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Note

• Candidates must submit college transcripts proving successfully passing (grade C or greater) in 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 an understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis for a total of nine credit hours. The candidate must also have successfully completed coursework covering statistics or population genetics. These course requirements will be audited by the DNA Technical Leader.
• Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
• This position has been identified as "essential." During emergency events, "essential" positions may 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.

*Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position. FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL.*

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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.
• For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B

Additional information

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.

• In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
• 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.
• 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:
• 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.
• 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:

• 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
• A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.