The FBI Laboratory Division's Research and Support Unit (RSU) is recruiting for a Research Biologist to support the development of innovative scientific methodologies to meet the operational requirements of the FBI, law enforcement, and intelligence organizations. Research Biologists conduct research on topics designed to develop methods used in the examination and identification of biological specimens in collaboration with academia and other government agencies to combat terrorism.

Duties

Lead medium- to large-scale research projects. Development of forensic DNA analysis techniques using capillary electrophoresis, massively parallel sequencing, and other state-of-the-science molecular biology techniques, for human identification, biogeographic ancestry, phenotypic expressions, and identification of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. Evaluation of novel DNA analysis tools and technologies. Use and development of bioinformatic tools. Development of forensic microbiologic analysis techniques. Evaluation of new and novel techniques for collection of evidence. Analysis of and improvements to pattern evidence methodology (fingerprints, handwriting, firearms and toolmarks, shoeprints, tire treads, etc.). Microscopic analysis of hairs, fibers, and trace evidence. Developing new research project ideas, proposals, and plans. Conducting literature reviews for antecedent work. Developing experiment plans/experimental design. Sample collection (field and laboratory), preparation and extraction, sample analysis, data reduction and analysis, statistical analysis. Preparation of reports. Presentation of results at scientific conferences, symposia, and inter- and intragovernmental meetings. Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Requirements

Qualifications

GS-12: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. SE is defined as follows: Postdoctoral research experience. Experience conducting reviews of scientific literature to identify previous work relevant to planned research projects and experiments. Experience designing scientific experiments to development new analytical methods, improve existing methods, and strengthen scientific foundations of forensic methods. Experience with DNA sequencing using Sanger, massively parallel, and direct sequencing techniques, whole genome analysis. Experience with bioinformatic tools and pipelines. BSL-2 level experience in culturing and analyzing microbiologic specimens for bacteriologic analysis. Experience growing and preparing spores for analysis. Experience with analysis of research-derived experimental data and metadata using Microsoft Excel TM, R, MiniTabTM , MatLabTM, or similar systems to support interpretation of results, conclusions, and actionable outcomes. Familiarity with and experience using statistical techniques in probability, inference, and data analysis. Experience analyzing samples using optical microscopy (transmitted and polarized light). Experience presenting research at scientific conferences and symposia.

Education

This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic educational requirement by submitting a copy of their college transcripts by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

A. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university bachelor's (or higher) degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area and must have successfully completed course work (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the subject of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis.

OR

B. A. combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination of education and experience must have been sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements provided you can show foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.

Contacts

• Address Federal Bureau of Investigation 935 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20535 US
• Name: Human Resources HQ Staffing
• Email: [email protected]