Biologist (DNA Lab Specialist) (Recent Graduate)
What you'd do
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.
Major duties
This position is located at ATF's National Laboratory Center. The laboratories provide highly technical and scientific services that support the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions. The incumbent serves as a Biologist (DNA Laboratory Specialist) in the Forensic Science Laboratories within the Office of Science and Technology. Laboratory Services consists of the Forensic Science Laboratories and the Fire Research Laboratory. 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.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for the position of Biologist (DNA Lab Specialist) (Recent Graduate), GS-0401-9, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below AND possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade. To be eligible for the Pathways Recent Graduate program you must be: A recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, technical degree, or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or completed a qualifying career or technical education program that awards a recognized postsecondary credential (such as a Registered Apprenticeship Program or Job Corps). OR Preference eligible veterans who have been precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion. You MUST submit a copy of the DD214 showing the duration and dates of service that precluded you from applying due to the military service obligation. Qualification Requirements To qualify for the position of Biologist (DNA Lab Specialist) (Recent Graduate), GS-0401-9, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below AND possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade. Basic Requirements: A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in your resume. Specialized experience must include all of the following: Receiving physical evidence, testing samples and/or background material for analysis in a laboratory; AND Assisting with the collection, extraction, quantification, and/or amplification of DNA; AND Supporting senior biologists and/or examiners with various tasks related to biological methods or instrumentation. OR Education: Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application. You must meet all qualification requirements by the 08/06/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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