Position Title: Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) – Direct Hire (Open Continuous Announcement) – 4 Vacancies Available
Agency/Company: ATF
Location: Wichita, KS
Listing closes on: 07/10/2026
About the position
This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory in Wichita, Kansas. Laboratory work encompasses a broad range of responsibilities critical to ATF’s mission of combatting violent crime.
This is an open continuous announcement, open until July 10, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
The incumbent serves as a Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) in a Forensic Science Laboratory within the Office of Science and Technology (OST) and is responsible providing forensic support of the Bureau’s primary law enforcement missions and technical guidance to laboratory personnel. ATF Laboratory Services conducts scientific, technical, and physical analyses on evidentiary material and analyzes data connected with criminal investigations. Typical work assignments include:
Performs forensic firearm/toolmark examinations with minimal technical guidance.
Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to develop and compare firearm/toolmark evidence 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.
