Biologist - DNA Laboratory Specialist (Recent Graduate)

The Recent Graduates (RG) Program is a dynamic, one-year developmental program that promotes careers in the Federal Government. If you have graduated from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program within the last two years, you may be eligible for the RG program which offers paid career development, training and mentorship opportunities

This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Lab in Wichita, Kansas. Laboratory work encompasses a broad range of responsibilities critical to ATF's mission of combatting violent crime. The incumbent serves as a Biologist - DNA Laboratory Specialist 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. ATF Laboratory Services conducts scientific, technical, and physical analyses on evidentiary material and analyzes data connected with criminal investigations. The major duties of the Biologist DNA Laboratory Specialist position include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs basic forensic biology procedures with limited technical guidance. Performs forensic DNA collection from cartridge cases and DNA extraction on previously collected DNA evidence and known DNA reference standards. Works with senior examiners to conduct research or evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services. Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of DNA collection and extraction.

Must be U.S. Citizen or National You must successfully pass a security/background investigation and drug screening. Selective Service registration is required, see the "Additional Information" section for full details. A Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement is required. CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS: ATF has the option to non-competitively convert a Recent Graduate to a permanent or term position upon successful completion of program requirements. This is not automatic, nor guaranteed. Conversion is at the discretion of the hiring manager and employing office. To be eligible to be converted to a permanent or term position you must: Be recommended for conversion by your manager or supervisor. Complete all training and development requirements within the 1-year appointment period. Successful completion of 1 year of continuous service. Demonstrate successful job performance of at least a "Fully Successful" or equivalent on performance appraisal. Meet the Office of Personnel Management's qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted (which may include a positive education requirement). Must be in good academic standing as defined by their academic institution. A Recent Graduate may be converted to the highest General Schedule (GS) grade level qualified for at time of conversion. Recent Graduates converted to a term position in the competitive service may subsequently be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition. 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. In addition to the requirements above, you must also meet the specific qualifications requirements for this announcement and the occupational series and grade of this position as described in the Qualifications section below. Please pay careful attention to the entire announcement to ensure you understand these important requirements.