Forensic Scientist - DNA Focus

RTI International (RTI) is one of the world's leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 4,000 individuals provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 75 countries in the areas of health, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, laboratory testing and chemical analysis.

The Investigative Sciences Program (ISP), one of several programs in the Justice Practice Area (JPA) at RTI, seeks to advance forensic science through rigorous research and evaluation, development of robust standards, application of research-based approaches and delivery of comprehensive training and technical assistance (TTA) to support justice, public health, and public safety. The JPA focuses on building the evidence base to advance justice, safety, and resilience in our communities. Organized around the primary consumers of our research, evaluation, quality assurance, and knowledge translation projects, JPA actively strives to understand the prevalence, characteristics, and correlates of crime and victimization to better develop and assess strategies to promote safety, accountability, and resilience.

To support the goals and mission of the JPA at RTI, the Investigative Sciences Program has an opening for a Forensic Scientist I position. This position supports several research and project activities that provides forensic practitioners with solutions to addressing challenges associated with DNA testing workflows, crime laboratory sustainability, policy development and approaches to resolve criminal and unidentified human remains cases and the implementation of technologies that improve DNA testing outcomes.

The Forensic Scientist I candidate will assist with the creation and delivery of resources including training materials, support knowledge sharing and technology transitions, and host in-person and virtual forums bringing together forensic science practitioners for peer-to-peer learning and support. This role involves working closely with the different project leadership and technical team members, external and internal subject matter experts, and criminal justice practitioners such as investigators, crime laboratory specialists, and medical examiners/coroners.

Please include a cover letter with the application.

Responsibilities may vary but in general include the following:

• Under the guidance of project team members, work collaboratively with both internal and external subject matter experts to assist with the development and completion of resources and training materials.
• Collaborate with project team members to enlist and coordinate other RTI support services such as editing and graphics specialists to effectively finalize resources and materials.
• Assist project team members with general logistics associated with deliverables such as scheduling team meetings both internal and external, sharing meeting notes and conducting literature searches.
• Assist project team members with the coordination of updates to project specific websites and distribution lists to include social media accounts.
• Assist project team members with both virtual and in-person training events to include support to hosting, registration and coordination with presenters.
• Assist project team members with the collection and reporting of data metrics associated with project activities and deliverables.
• Collaborate with the project teams to support the overall goals of the projects and ensure alignment to client expectations.
• Contribute to, and assist with, updating project-wide calendars or other tasks to ensure effective communication and collaboration across project teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or forensic science with successful completion of coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and population genetics or a statistics course that emphasizes the analysis of allele frequencies in a population.
• Basic understanding of forensic DNA testing strategies.
• Ability to work well with others and maintain rapport.
• Ability to actively listen to discussions and identify key themes.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to actively work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain files, work products, or tracking sheets to support project goals.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• To qualify, applicants should be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Smartsheet, Excel or similar task management tools.
• Experience with Microsoft Word.
• Experience with Microsoft Teams for internal task management and communication.
• Experience with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.