Position Title: Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner)
Agency/Company: ATF
Location: Beltsville, MD
Listing closes on: 08/27/2026
About the position
The Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST), Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, in Beltsville, MD. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau’s primary law enforcement mission.
Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.
The major duties of the Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs forensic fingerprint examinations with minimal technical guidance.
Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to develop and compare latent prints in order to determine if they share a common origin.
Draws conclusions based on fully documented physical examination of the evidence and interpretation of scientific results and prepares laboratory reports.
Works with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
