Criminalist II (Forensic Biology)

OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER


PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

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

Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Forensic Biology department and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, Level IV, the selected candidate will be responsible for conducting the scientific analyses performed on physical evidence brought to the Forensic Biology department. Duties will include but are not limited to:

- Locates, recognizes, and describes accurately physical evidence, physiological material, and colorimetric tests during the examination of swabs, sexual assault kits, and evidence items submitted to the Department of Forensic Biology in connection with investigation of criminal cases.
- Engages in administrative, technical reviews of casework.
- Ensures integrity of evidence and chain-of-custody forms
- Maintains records of all examinations and analytical tests conducted.
- Compiles 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 and searches LDIS and submits DNA profiles for database entry.
- Performs technical and administrative review on written reports and case file records of administratively closed, negative serology, and negative DNA cases.
- Testifies concerning the results of scientific investigations before grand juries, civil jurisdiction, and criminal jurisdictions.
- Participates in competency testing and proficiency testing programs.
- Participates in quality assurance and quality control programs as described in the manuals 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.
- Performs special assignments/projects as directed.

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.

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.