Senior Certified Latent Print Examiner

• - VA-Charlottesville
• Charlottesville, VA, USA
• Full Time

Position Purpose:  

Signature Science is seeking an experienced Certified Latent Print Examiner to work within the Latent Print Services section of the Human Signatures laboratory located in Charlottesville, VA. The purpose of this position is to manage and lead a collaborative, fast-paced team of experienced Latent Print Examiners, in a modern laboratory setting operating cutting-edge equipment and identifying and performing innovative and unique research efforts aimed at advancing the programs mission.

This position is laboratory based, focused on managing completion of sample processing and reporting within required turnaround times, completing validation efforts in accordance with applicable ISO standards, and working with vendors and others in the scientific and IC community to identify and perform innovative research projects on schedule and budget. This position must also provide remote support to mobile laboratory operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Essential duties and responsibilities include managing the Latent Print Services section (5-8 individuals) for laboratory operations; maintain a high level of quality assurance in accordance with applicable ISO standards; identify and conduct innovative and complex research efforts; and integrate into the larger Human Signatures laboratory system.
• The candidate must be able to perform independent laboratory operations; to include latent print development, photography, analysis, encoding and searching. Complete all appropriate case file documentation and reporting, to include administrative and technical reviews.  
• Apply skills and knowledge to research, development, test, and evaluation activities in the field of latent print.
• Work in conjunction with laboratory staff to manage sample operations, perform research activities, understand and complete program requirements, and work in collaboration with other laboratory disciplines operating within the human signatures laboratory.
• The candidate will proactively collaborate with vendors and others in the scientific and IC community to stay current on trends, developing technologies, and novel methodologies which may be applied to program areas of interest.
• Assess and monitor all Latent Print Services tasking for compliance with schedule, budget and mission applicability.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Candidate must have previous laboratory and/or program management experience, have excellent organizational skills, and be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to technical, administrative, and managerial staff.
• Candidate must have knowledge of sequential processing in the development of latent prints, and be able to perform analyses of samples in accordance with laboratory SOPs. Candidate must be able to sustain proficiency in and utilize various techniques and equipment.
• Candidate must have experience using Latent Print photography equipment, as well as knowledge in the use of Adobe Photoshop, or similar software, for fingerprint image enhancement.
• Candidate must have experience in comparisons of latent prints to knowns and other latent prints. Ability to discuss and review other examiners results independently. Must be able to assess quality of latent print for submission to appropriate databases in accordance with criteria.
• Candidate must have experience using Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) for searching, to include NGI (IAFIS) and Universal Latent Workstation (ULW) application.
• Candidate must be able to provide expertise in forensics sciences and specifically latent print to applied research projects as well as test and evaluation of new and emerging technologies.  Provide excellent customer service to intra- and inter- team collaborators. Work in a dynamic team environment.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365 and Teams.

Education/Experience:

Undergraduate degree in Science, Intelligence or Engineering plus 5+ years applicable work experience with law enforcement and/or IC.  Minimum of two years management experience required. Graduate degree in Forensic Science preferred.  Preference given to applicants with research or program management experience. 

Certificates and Licenses:

• Active certification with International Association for Identification as a CLPE preferred, or candidate must be able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.

Clearance: This position requires that the candidate be willing and able to complete a successful background screening for a TS/SCI security clearance as well as complete a CI polygraph. Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference.

U.S. Citizenship is a prerequisite for application.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position is responsible for managing a team 4-8 team individuals. Additional supervisory roles may be required.

Working Conditions/ Equipment: This position is Charlottesville, VA laboratory based. Will have potential contact with hazardous materials, including biological fluids, and on occasion may be required to lift up to 40 pounds. Work within the laboratory requires this position to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, coats or gowns, and safety glasses. Travel, both domestic and international, may be required (up to 130 days) based on specific project assignments and candidates' interest.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.