FORENSIC SPECIALIST / SCIENTIST

LEGAL Forensic specialist/scientist. DC public defender service. See our job posting at: www.pdsdc.org Los Angeles Times 2006-08-29


Source - Los Angeles TimesVACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT #PDS 2006-25
PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAForensic Specialist/Forensic Scientist
PDS-1301-11 (GS-11 Equivalent)
Opening Date: August 14, 2006
Closing Date: September 15, 2006Location: Public Defender Service
633 Indiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Notice to Applicants: This position is a full-time, paid 13-month temporary appointment. Fringe benefits are offered with this position.Background: The Public Defender Service is a federally funded, independent organization that provides legal representation to the indigent citizens of the District of Columbia who are charged with criminal offenses and are facing a loss of liberty. PDS has approximately 235 employees, mostly located at the main office at 633 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. DC residency is not a requirement for employment. There are approximately 125 attorneys at PDS. In addition to the legal staff, there are social workers, investigators, administrative, and technical staff that work with the legal staff to advance the PDS mission. PDS is funded by federal appropriations and all employees are entitled to federal benefits to include health and life insurance, federal retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Transferring employees will receive recognition of creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes. Employment at the Public Defender Service is not federal employment.
FPG Background: PDS is regarded locally and nationally as a model public defender office and as a leader in cutting-edge criminal defense practices. The Forensic Practice Group is a collection of PDS attorneys who seek to develop expertise in the latest defense practices regarding forensic science. Forensic Practice Group attorneys apply their specialized training in individual cases in D.C. Superior Court, in large-scale admissibility and civil rights actions, and in trainings to criminal defense attorneys both inside and outside PDS. Forensic Practice Group attorneys act to ensure that forensic science issues are litigated in a comprehensive and strategic manner, consistent with the stated interest of the individual client and the mission of PDS.
Major Duties: The Forensic Specialist / Scientist will conduct training and research and draft reports on forensic science that will benefit PDS’ mission. The Forensic Specialist / Scientist will have a close working relationship with, and work under the direct supervision of, the Special Counsel to the Director charged with broadening PDS’ understanding of forensic sciences issues. The Forensic Specialist/Scientist will be expected to provide substantial assistance to attorneys in individual casework, work on forensic science issues from a systemic perspective, and assist in the training of the criminal defense bar, with minimal supervision.Forensic Specialist/Scientist
PDS 2006-25
The Forensic Specialist/Scientist will interact with pre-eminent scientists and forensic scientists worldwide. The Forensic Specialist/Scientist will be continuously exposed to the workings of the criminal justice system and become familiar with the role of scientific experts in the courtroom. The Forensic Specialist/Scientist’s areas of forensic science will include, but not be limited to: DNA evidence, fingerprint evidence, ballistics evidence, pathology and medical issues, evidence grounded in psychological expertise, and the identification sciences.Qualifications Requirements: BA/BS or equivalent degree is required, from an accredited college or university, in one of the foundation sciences (e.g., biology or chemistry), or in mathematics or statistics. It is desirable that applicants have practical experience in applying this knowledge to the law. It is also desirable that applicants have a commitment to the representation of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses; possess excellent research, writing and oral persuasion skills.
Qualifications Preferred: Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in one of the foundation sciences, mathematics or statistics, or forensic science; relevant professional experience; a demonstrated ability to conduct complex research and writing projects; and experience in working with expert witnesses, consultants, and scientists. Minority and Spanish-speaking applicants are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit: a cover letter, a relevant writing sample, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and three references (name, address, telephone number and a statement of how each reference is able to evaluate your skills) to the Public Defender Service, HR Department, Attn: PDS #2006-25, via email to [Click here for email]. Please send application materials as a WORD document attachment. All submitted application materials, documents, pages, etc., must clearly list the applicant’s name. All application materials become the property of this office and will not be returned. Applications submitted electronically must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2006. Visit our website at www.pdsdc.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
REQUIREMENTS
Please refer to the Job Description to view the requirements for this job