Forensic Scientist IV - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Forensic Scientist IV to perform DNA Analyst duties on biological specimens in support of he Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) at Dover Airforce Base in Delaware. Will supervise staff performing investigative studies on tissue identification by DNA typing technologies and to carry out DNA typing casework.

AFMES is a Tri-Service organization, comprised of administrative S-Staff and three (3) integrated Divisions (Forensic Pathology Investigation, DoD DNA Operations, and Forensic Toxicology) whose overall mission is to provide comprehensive and innovative medico-legal services worldwide.  AFMES provides mission support to the DoD in the fields of human remains identification from both current and previous conflicts; forensic toxicology; medico-legal death investigations; forensic DNA analytical services; mass- fatality specimen collection and management services; and human reference specimen collection, cataloging, archival, and retrieval repository services. 

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

This position is contingent on contract award.

• May serve as an Assistant Technical leader within casework sections or as a section lead within non-casework sections
• Will assist in program maintenance and development at the direction of their designated supervisor.
• May testify as an expert witness as required; Provide technical assistance in the area of bioinformatics, information technology and laboratory automation, and support the logistical or resource management activities.
• Will supervise staff performing investigative studies on tissue identification by DNA typing technologies and to carry out DNA typing casework Will participate in the organization and presentation of educational activities.
• Will participate in the organization and presentation of educational activities.
• Duties may include Set up and make operationally ready a wide variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Will write, review, and edit experimental protocols, standard operating procedures, and operating instructions for projects of experimental programs, service casework procedures and general laboratory management operations. 
• Will assist in quality assurance activities such as standards maintenance, equipment preventive maintenance, reagent testing & validation, proficiency testing, and accreditation and certification. 
• Will conduct inspections and provide oversight to the adherence to established quality assurance activities including maintenance of standards and controls, preventive maintenance and equipment calibration, reagent testing and validation, and proficiency testing programs for accreditation or certification.
• Will perform general laboratory housekeeping activities such as maintaining appropriate working-stock levels of expendable supplies and maintaining a clean environment within laboratory work areas. 
• Perform investigative studies on tissue identification by DNA typing technologies.
• Will maintain documentation of methods development and research activities in accordance with standard practice. 
• Will supervise/perform service casework involving routine nuclear and mtDNA typing and profiling procedures.
• Will prepare formal written reports of service casework or research reports that contain professional interpretations and conclusions from the test data, and that are suitable for legal presentation in a court of law.
• Will review casework and formal written reports.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

 Education and Experience

• Minimum Master's degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area and successfully completed twelve (12) semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate and graduate course work covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics or population genetics; twelve (12) semester or equivalent credit hours shall include at least one graduate level course registering three (3) or more semester or equivalent credit hours.
• Shall have three years of forensic DNA laboratory experience obtained at a laboratory where forensic DNA testing was conducted for the identification and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters; and a minimum of three years of human DNA (current or previous) experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical Leads and Assistant Technical Leads must meet the FBI QA Accreditation requirements
• Desired knowledge and experience in filing techniques; administrative typing; preparing and editing technical or general documentation using various software packages such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel and Windows; transcription of documents, data entry, and preparing and editing management support documentation.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $64,200 - $109,200. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.