Forensic Scientist V

Forensic Scientist V

As required by our governmental client, this position requires being a US Citizen, lawful resident alien, citizen of American Samoa or other territory owning permanent allegiance to the United States.

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) seeks an experienced, highly qualified Forensic DNA Analyst 5 (FS5) with a strong work ethic to support a Federal program in Dover, DE. The FS5 will be responsible for performing analysis of forensic evidence in accordance with laboratory accreditation and standard operating procedures. The FS5 is critical to the successful laboratory operation and will be required to work collaboratively and productively with laboratory staff, management, and Government stakeholders. The ability to prioritize job responsibilities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a focus on exceptional duty results and excellent customer service.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Pay commensurate with experience.


• Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. 


• 'Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Forensic Scientist V Responsibilities Include: 

• May serve as an Assistant Technical leader and/or expert witness. 


• Shall be knowledgeable in a relevant field of the life sciences and have experience working in a research laboratory. 


• Shall be a recognized expert in their area of expertise, as demonstrated by their publication record or industry experience. 


• Experience conducting team-based research through publication of several technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications. 


• Experience in managing a forensic laboratory, including technicians and other scientists. 


• Execute their assigned tasks, and share their findings with other members of the project team. Experience writing reports and publications, and presenting their findings in meetings. 


• May provide consultation on complex projects. 


• Experience with and knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and interpretive results from the following complex technical procedures: 


• Processing and preparation of various tissue and fluid samples for extraction and purification of DNA, quantitative/qualitative analysis of DNA by various methods


• Application of PCR procedures to amplify target template DNA for subsequent analysis


• Separation of DNA fragments, including nuclear and mtDNA amplification and sequencing products, using vertical, horizontal, capillary, and other electrophoresis systems, and various stationary matrixes such as agarose and polyacrylamide gels, 


• Chemical synthesis of oligonucleotide probes & primers including incorporation of modified bases using automated DNA synthesizers


• Dye termination sequence analysis of target areas of the mtDNA genome, 


• Analysis of PCR amplified DNA using fluorescent STR technologies, 


• Operation of automated/robotic instrumentation associated with investigative studies and service casework, 


• Training in statistics and or population genetics for computation of population frequency statistics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis, 


• Analysis and interpretation of DNA typing results as applied to determining the statistical relevancy of DNA profile matches between questioned and reference samples when both are derived from the same individual, or, in the more complex situation, when the reference samples are derived from blood relatives. 


• Shall be required to work in one or more of the following functional areas and may be tasked to perform as a technical leader.


• Forensic Science Services, Past Accounting, Current Day Operations, Emerging Technologies, Family Reference Data Basing, Bioinformatics, Quality Management/Quality Control, and Laboratory Support Services. 


• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Forensic Scientist V Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: 

• Bachelor’s Degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and 10 years of related experience is required related.


• Master’s degree preferred.


• Experience supporting and leading teams of large-scale projects.


• Preferred experience with projects supporting forensic toxicology, medico-legal death investigations, and/or forensic DNA analytical services.


• Preferred experience in DoD forensic program support.


• Advanced working knowledge of project management, creating, and implementing project schedules, and managing project teams and budgets. 


• Risk mitigation and issue resolution.


• Solution oriented with proven capability to realize.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to lead, mentor and advise large teams.


• Working knowledge of MS product suite: Excel, Word, SharePoint; Project Management software and DoD reporting systems.


• Successfully complete a NACI investigation.


• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNIH, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles

• Chief Forensic Scientist


• Senior Forensic Scientist Manager


• Director of Forensic Services


• Forensic Science Program Director


• Forensic Laboratory Director

Keywords 5 

• Executive-level forensic leadership


• Strategic forensic program management


• Expert forensic testimony


• Advanced forensic research


• Forensic laboratory administration

Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Please Note:  This position is pending a contract award.  If you are interested in a future with Cherokee Federal, APPLY TODAY!  Although this is not an approved position, we are accepting applications for this future and anticipated need.