Criminalist IB (Forensic Biology)

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.

• Commitment : Dedicated to the mission at all times
• Accountability : Responsible to each other and the community
• Resilience : Adapt in the face of adversity
• Excellence : Achieve and maintain the highest quality
• Service : Innovate to meet evolving needs

Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Forensic Biology Department and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, Level IV, selected candidate will be responsible for assisting in conducting scientific analyses performed on biological specimens brought to the Forensic Biology Department of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York.

The most eligible candidate will possess the technical skills listed and the potential to exemplify this agency’s core values of Integrity, Dedication and putting the Agency First.

Typical tasks include but are not limited to the following :

• Assists in the DNA analyses of evidentiary material such as hairs, body fluids and other biological evidence, using state-of-the-art molecular techniques.
• Assists in the analyses of gunshot residue and other chemical and spectroscopic analyses; and in the anthropological examination of human remains.
• Assists in the microscopic, chemical, physical, instrumental, and quantitative methods of analysis of biological evidence.
• Receives comprehensive training and instruction in the various techniques used in the collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of evidentiary materials.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences and other training and development activities.
• Receives training in the routine preventive maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.

2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B

In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.

3. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following :

1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience;

or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.

4. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following :

1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and / or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience;

or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.

5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV

In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following :

1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and / or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or

3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Preferred Skills

Successful candidates should have experience working in an accredited laboratory facility.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at class "jobad-residencyRequirement">

Residency RequirementNew York City Residency is not required for this position