Forensic Scientist II

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Forensic Scientist II 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 perform investigative studies on biological materials using DNA typing technologies; carry out DNA typing casework in support of routine casework and special projects; review casework results, write DNA comparison reports, manage large sets of case samples assigned to them, and testify as an expert witness as required.

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 perform as a DNA Analyst.
• Will assist in program maintenance and development at the direction of their designated supervisor.
• Provide technical assistance in the area of bioinformatics, information technology and laboratory automation, and support the logistical or resource management activities of the DNA Operations section.
• Will participate in the organization and presentation of educational activities.
• Duties may include assisting in the expansion of the technical programs to accelerate service work capabilities, which may include the following: Setup 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 perform general laboratory house-keeping activities such as maintaining appropriate working-stock levels of expendable supplies and maintaining a clean environment within laboratory work areas.
• Will perform investigative studies on tissue, skeletal bone, and teeth utilizing next generation sequencing whole mtDNA genome and nuclear Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and/or mtDNA Sanger Sequencing, and/or autosomal STR, and/or Y chromosomal STR testing.
• Will maintain documentation of methods development and research activities in accordance with standard practice.
• Will manage investigative studies on novel markers/assays to improve DNA recovery and/or typing from mixed and/or low template specimens, including design of experiments, performance of laboratory work and analysis of data.
• Will participate in the establishment of extensive mtDNA, Y-STR and Autosomal STR databases for both general, and specifically targeted, populations.
• Will identify, investigate and pursue projects to advance DNA-based biometric capabilities.
• Will assist in the management and coordination of interns, part-time employees and visiting scientists involved in research efforts.
• Will present scientific findings at domestic and/or international conferences.

Education and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or it's equivalent in a biology-,chemistry-, forensic science- or physical sciences and shall have successfully completed a minimum of 9 cumulative semester hours or equivalent (graduate or undergraduate level) course work covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology; and course work and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
  Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience required

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.
• 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 $50,100 - $80,900. 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.