Position Function:
This position will serve as an entry level Digital Forensics Analyst for the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI) facility at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. In this role the Analyst under administrative direction, will assist the Lead Digital Forensics Technician in day-to-day operations of the Digital Forensics lab and the partnered Law Enforcement (LE) agencies of MCI. In this position the individual will perform configuration/installation/operations of existing forensics hardware and software, assisting other LE partnered agencies in conducting digital forensics analysis, inputting data into case management system, accomplishing inventories and maintaining chain of custody control of the labs evidence.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Experienced with Cyber/Digital Forensics tools, including e-discovery and forensic imaging tools and techniques
2. Experienced with COTS forensics products, including FTK, Axiom, Graykey, and Cellebrite
3. Possess understanding of systems engineering and computing platforms, including Windows, OSX, and Linux
4. Effectively able assist LE partner(s) in utilizing the lab's forensics capabilities through technical support
5. Effectively perform assessments with users in analyzing deficiencies in tested forensics tools and provide a risk assessment of unresolved anomalies
6. Competently assist lead analyst in accomplishing forensic analysis with techniques, including traditional disk image analysis, memory analysis, and malware analysis or static and dynamic reverse engineering
7. Competently manage DFL program operations; conducting monthly inventory of the evidence room, assist in DFL audits and processing in-out evidence to maintain the integrity of the evidence room
8. Able to work in a rapidly changing technological environment with multiple agency partners in support of the MCI partner's mission
Supervisory Responsibility
May be responsible for training, assisting, or assigning tasks to interns and apprentices. May provide input to performance reviews of other employees.
The above essential duties are representative of the major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field of work.
Experience (yrs.): 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Substitution allowed:
Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Versed in computer security investigative processes
• Ability to work in time-sensitive and stressful situations with ease and professionalism
• Understanding of electronic investigation, forensic tools, and methodologies. Including log correlation and analysis and forensically handling electronic data
• Able to maintain proficiency in digital forensics technology and accreditations through self-paced specialized training
• Versed in Microsoft office suite
• Prior experience with digital evidence in law enforcement investigations and task forces such as Internet Crimes Against Children or Cyber Fraud Task Force
• Possession of one or more forensics certifications, including Cellebrite CCO, CCPA, Premium Operator, or CASA, Graykey Certified Operator, BCERT, NITRO, IACIS CFCE, NW3C Certified Cyber Crime Examiner, GCFE, CCI, GREM, CHFI, GCFA, or CCFP ISFCE CCE - Certified Computer Examiner Certification, SANS CGFA-Forensic Analyst or GCFE- Forensic Examiner Certification, ISC(2) – CCFP - Certified Cyber Forensics Professional Certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Excellent knowledge of a full range of digital and cyber forensics hardware and software
2. Proficient in the latest forensic, response, and reverse engineering skills and astute in the latest exploit methodologies
3. Understanding of electronic investigation, forensic tools, and methodologies. Including log correlation and analysis, forensically handling electronic data, knowledge of computer security investigative processes
4. Knowledge of a basic understanding of legalities surrounding the discovery and analysis of electronically stored information
5. Knowledge of existing and emerging legal issues within information security environments (i.e., data privacy)
6. Ability to take instruction in accomplishing reports requiring note taking, written, and photographic information
7. Possession of excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills in gathering facts and use effective analytical and evaluative methods to assess information, plan the sequence of actions necessary, make sound decisions, and solve various forensic systems problems
8. Ability to maintain an up-to-date awareness of technological advances and predict how management can meet future requirements
9. Exceptional communication skills: ability to communicate orally, in writing which will be required in report development and able to testify in court if needed
10. Possess good interpersonal skills to work withing team(s) and able to foster a cooperative work environment
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Requires lifting of IT devices, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are vital to the position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Screening Date:
March 26, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
