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

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Forensic Scientist V 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. May serve as the technical leaders of the Current Day Operations, or the Past Accounting or Family Reference sections; or as the chief of emerging technology, or Laboratory Quality Manager.  Technical leaders must have experience in managing a forensic laboratory, including technicians and other scientists.  Execute their assigned tasks, and to share their findings with other members of the project team.

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.

• Will write reports and publications and present their findings in meetings.
• May provide consultation on complex projects.
• Desired experience and knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and interpretive results from the following complex technical procedures: processing and preparation of various tissue and fluid samples for extraction and purification of DNA, quantitative/qualitative analysis of DNA by various methods, application of PCR procedures to amplify target template DNA for subsequent analysis, separation of DNA fragments, including nuclear and mtDNA amplification and sequencing products, using vertical, horizontal, capillary, and other electrophoresis systems, and various stationary matrixes such as agarose and polyacrylamide gels, chemical synthesis of oligonucleotide probes & primers including incorporation of modified bases using automated DNA synthesizers, dye termination sequence analysis of target areas of the mtDNA genome, analysis of PCR amplified DNA using fluorescent STR technologies, operation of automated/robotic instrumentation associated with investigative studies and service casework, training in statistics and or population genetics for computation of population frequency statistics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis, analysis and interpretation of DNA typing results as applied to determining the statistical relevancy of DNA profile matches between questioned and reference samples when both are derived from the same individual, or, in the more complex situation, when the reference samples are derived from blood relatives.
• Perform investigative studies on tissue identification by DNA typing technologies.
• Will maintain documentation of methods development and research activities in accordance with standard practice. 
• May 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.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a 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.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience required with three (3) years of human DNA experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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, and have analytical, organization, written and oral communication skills.
• Technical Leads and Assistant Technical Leads must meet the FBI QA Accreditation requirements
• Shall be a recognized expert in their area of expertise, as demonstrated by their publication record or industry experience and experience running a research laboratory.  They will have demonstrated their subject matter expertise in a number of areas, and their ability to conduct team-based research through publication of several technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• 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 $88,600 - $150,800. 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.

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.