Clarification from the agency

This position is being filled using OPM Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.204 (Subpart B)).

The incumbent serves as a Forensic Biologist and the Assistant DNA Technical Leader in a Forensic Science Laboratory within the Office of Science and Technology (OST) responsible for providing forensic support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions and technical guidance to laboratory personnel. ATF Laboratory Services conducts scientific, technical, and physical analyses on evidentiary material and analyzes data connected with criminal investigations.

• Functions as a leading technical expert in one or more specialized areas of forensic DNA analysis, providing leadership, advice, and assistance to ATF officials, laboratory personnel, other federal agencies, state and local government organizations, private laboratories, and industry.
• Performs forensic DNA examinations of the highest complexity and analyzes a variety of samples including complex mixtures.
• Provides training and guidance in technical duties and evaluates the analytical work of peers and lower graded biologists or technicians.
• Evaluates new technology, methods, and/or scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
• Prepares laboratory reports and documents conclusions as well as interpretation of the analytical results.

Conditions of employment

Key Requirements:

1. Must be U.S. Citizen or National
2. May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
3. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
4. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND

To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of:

• Performing DNA examinations on the most difficult evidence without technical guidance; AND
• Interpretting, evaluating, and analyzing the results of a variety of samples, including complex mixtures; AND
• Using laboratory policies, regulations, standard approaches, and methods to perform expert forensic DNA examinations; AND
• Evaluating new technology and developing or modifying analytical procedures to improve forensic DNA analysis; AND
• Acting as a project manager or coordinator of ongoing complex and unique projects or programs within the laboratory.

How you will be evaluated

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

This is an open continuous announcement to fill a specialized or hard-to-fill position.

Applicant lists will be pulled on the 1st and 15th of every month until the closing date. Once an applicant list is pulled, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted by the HR Specialist. This information will be compared against your responses to the application questionnaire to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether you are qualified for this particular position. All credentials must be received at the time of application submission. If a determination is made that you have inflated your responses when compared to your background information, you may be deemed ineligible.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two pages of your resume, starting at your work experience. SMEs will not review any additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter). Applicants who pass the structured resume review will be added to the list of qualified candidates.

Per Direct-Hire Authority requirements, all qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring office for consideration. You will be notified if referred to a hiring official and if selected for an interview. The hiring office may select any qualified candidate without regard to special eligibility considerations. Veterans' preference is not applicable.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:

• Leadership
• Forensics
• Oral Communication
• Research
• Written Communication

It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.

Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two-page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history. Showing relative permanent and volunteer work experience, education, and training, your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations.

• Official position title,
• Employer name and contact information,
• Start and end dates (including month and year),
• Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time,
• Your Pay Plan/Series/Grade for all federal positions,
• A list of duties performed and accomplishments.

1. A copy of the agency notice (i.e., letter of intent to separate, separation notice, or agency RIF letter),
2. Your most recent performance appraisal, and
3. Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.

It is your responsibility to ensure all documents are received on time and the materials are legible. If applying online poses a hardship to any applicant, please contact us at the telephone number listed on this announcement. Applicants MUST CONTACT US PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If your contact information changes after the closing date of this vacancy announcement, update your profile information in MYUSAJOBS as well as contact the Human Resources Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement to ensure you can be contacted throughout the selection process.

Prior to selection, the candidate may be required to provide an original copy of any supporting/ validating documentation as well as other documentation to verify eligibility. All required materials must be uploaded using the supporting documentation instructions described in the announcement.

Failure to provide the required documentation by the closing date of this announcement will result in elimination of further consideration for this position.

Next steps