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 Toxicology Department, and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, Level III and IV, selected candidates will be responsible for assisting in conducting scientific analyses performed on biological specimens brought to the Forensic Toxicology 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:
- Assisting in the performance of toxicological analysis of biological specimens using various scientific methodologies.
- Reviewing analytical data to ensure their accuracy, reliability, and conformation to the guidelines of the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory.
- Ensuring that all scientific analyses conducted use the scientific standards documented in the written guidelines of the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory and any applicable regulating agencies.
- Preparing for review by supervisory personnel, scientific reports which accurately and objectively reflect the results of scientific investigations.
- Preparing critical reagents required for the correct operation of analytical procedures.
- Operating and maintains sophisticated equipment and prepares and appropriately annotates equipment maintenance records.
- Ensuring that all analytical testing is conducted in a forensically acceptable and competent manner.
- Other duties as assigned.
Special Note:
Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
This position has been identified as essential. During emergency events, essential positions may require 24-hour availability.
Work Authorization:
Authorization to work in the Unites States is required for this position. Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.
***Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position.
Final Appointments Are Subject to Office of Management
& BUDGET APPROVAL.***
Minimum Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
- In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
- One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or
- One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or
- A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
- 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:
- Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or
- Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or
- A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
- 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:
- Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or
- Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
- A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in an accredited Forensic Toxicology laboratory.
- Baccalaureate of Science degree from an accredited college with a specialization in toxicology, analytical chemistry, or pharmacology.
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information
- Candidates must submit college transcripts proving successfully passing (grade C or greater) the following course requirements: o Graduate or undergraduate level courses covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis for a total of nine credit hours.
o These course requirements will be audited by the DNA Technical Leader.
- Candidates will be assigned within the department as operationally required.
- The selection process may include a written examination, followed by an oral interview.
- Candidates must demonstrate accurate color vision in order to notice subtle shades of color in the detection of body fluids and colorimetric tests when performing job.
- To maintain employment and for promotional opportunities, selected candidates will be required to undergo an FBI background check. This check encompasses a thorough examination of their criminal record, encompassing both arrest and conviction history.
All employees must obtain any licenses, certifications, or endorsements that are required for their position by any regulatory agency of appropriate jurisdiction. Any such required license, certification or endorsement shall be obtained within three months of appointment to the title, unless otherwise specified. Any required licenses, certifications, or endorsements must be maintained for the duration of the assignment and must be updated or renewed whenever the regulatory agency issues a modification or revision to the requirement.