Fingerprint Examiner | Latent Print

About Valens Global 

Valens Global provides analyses, strategies, and innovative solutions that anticipate and address critical threats to people, businesses, and governments. Our goal, simply put, is to empower clients with essential knowledge as they navigate complex security challenges rooted in a changing global society. We believe these twenty-first century challenges require analysts who are fiercely independent, forward thinking, and unafraid to challenge received wisdom. We foster an intellectually vibrant climate. We emphasize teamwork, transparency, meritocracy, accountability, and empowerment at junior levels. We are proud of our track record. Our products exceed our clients’ expectations and stand the test of time. At Valens, you would be part of a smart, talented, and confident team of people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and outlooks. We think Valens is a great place to work, and we think you’ll agree. 

Valens Global is seeking qualified Latent Print Examiners / Physical Scientists to support a government mission. The team will primarily complete forensic known-print examinations to reduce a backlog of more than 5,000 cases, with latent-print examinations and evidence processing performed as needed.

Casework will be managed digitally through a Government-designated collaboration site, such as SharePoint, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Work products may include scientific examinations, case notes, images, automated database searches, reports, Government laboratory records, opinions, interpretations, and conclusions.

This role directly supports a critical federal initiative to reduce significant case backlogs, improve processing efficiency, and deliver timely, accurate forensic analyses that withstand legal and administrative scrutiny. Successful candidates will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the biometric identification process while supporting national security objectives. 

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Examinations and Casework 

• Perform analysis, comparison, and evaluation of known-print and friction ridge impressions and complete verification activities in accordance with the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V) methodology.
• Examine known prints from multiple record sources to establish identity and, when assigned, examine latent prints.
• Assess friction ridge impressions for comparison and search suitability, including ridge detail, clarity, and other identification factors.
• Apply and document accepted forensic methodologies, conclusions, opinions, and interpretations.
• Enter and search suitable unidentified friction ridge impressions in Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS), when access is granted.
• Use Adobe Photoshop or another approved digital documentation tool to record on-screen analysis, comparison, and evaluation activities.
• For latent-print assignments, select and apply appropriate sequential chemical and physical processing techniques to visualize, enhance, capture, develop, preserve, and document friction ridge impressions.
• Prepare approved laboratory reagents and chemical solutions in accordance with established procedures, when required.

Case Processing and LIMS Workflow 

• Access assigned cases in LIMS and work under the unique Government case identifier.
• Inventory all received items and exhibits and examine all evidence associated with each assigned case.
• Maintain evidence integrity through required chain-of-custody procedures, evidence handling protocols, and documentation practices.
• Upload and download case images, notes, records, and required documentation using LIMS and the designated collaboration site.
• Maintain organized and complete case files that remain accessible to DHS personnel upon request.
• Send the final report to the submitter identified on the forensic request form and close the case in LIMS.

Quality Assurance and Reporting 

• Properly document all phases of ACE-V and all methodologies used.
• Conduct or participate in verification, technical review, and administrative review activities as assigned.
  • Be consistent with laboratory policy and editorial correctness, confirm the accuracy, reliability, and validity of results and conclusions, and ensure the validity of forensic results.
    
• Prepare clear, concise, and court-suitable reports that document the methodology, exhibits, findings, remarks, conclusions, and other required elements.
• Follow International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025:2017, ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) 3125 supplemental accreditation standards, applicable quality assurance practices, and all internal policies, including case documentation and retention requirements.

Expert Witness and Agency Support 

• Clearly and professionally communicate findings in writing and orally and appropriately represent the agency to outside entities.
• Provide expert witness testimony in federal or other court systems regarding completed examinations, when requested.
• Participate in pretrial activities and discussions associated with contractor-completed cases.
• Travel to the trial jurisdiction for in-person testimony when required. The Government will provide written notice of the trial date and location at least 30 calendar days in advance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the laboratory mission.

Program and Administrative Support 

• Apply office management methods and procedures to produce and maintain documentation, correspondence, records, and directives.
• Establish and maintain correspondence logs, examination notes, case records, and files.
• Coordinate with the Lead Examiner and Government stakeholders to support workload, schedule, quality, and mission requirements.
• Support the required level of effort and timely completion of contract deliverables while maintaining examination quality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust/Moderate Risk (Level 5) background investigation and favorable Entry On Duty (EOD) or final fitness approval before accessing Government or SBU information. 
• Extensive expert training, technical knowledge, and experience in the principles, theories, practices, and methodologies of friction ridge examinations.
• Must hold a current latent print examination certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI), or a current professionally recognized equivalent certification. At least one of the four Latent Print Examiners will be identified as the senior Lead Examiner and must be currently IAI-certified.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in latent print examination, including case review, quality oversight, and courtroom testimony responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct examinations according to accepted protocols and to apply and document ACE-V.
• Ability to operate scientific ABIS platforms, subject to Government access authorization.
• Ability to conduct technical and administrative reviews of case notes and findings, as assigned.
• Ability to prepare clear written reports and communicate findings orally in a professional manner.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ANAB 3125 supplemental accreditation standards, and forensic laboratory quality systems.
• Ability to use LIMS, Government-designated collaboration sites, and digital documentation tools such as Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in McLean, Virginia, and/or at other designated worksites in the McLean vicinity.
• Ability to provide expert witness testimony, supported by prior courtroom training or testimony experience, when required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with government contracts
• Secret-level clearance

**Required Application Materials:

• All candidates are required to complete the Predictive Index Assessment as part of the application process.
  • Please use this link to access the Predictive Index behavioral assessment: Predictive Index Candidate Assessment
  • This is a free-choice, untimed evaluation that is designed to help us better understand your work style and how you approach the workplace.
  • We are unable to proceed with reviewing your application until the assessment is complete. 
• Cover Letter
• Resume or CV