Crime Lab Analyst 1-4

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory is seeking a Crime Lab Analyst to join the Forensic DNA Unit in Baton Rouge. The role focuses on advanced DNA analysis, evidence handling, and contributing to court proceedings with expert testimony.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with specific biology/chemistry hours and meet accrediting body requirements. This probationary appointment offers a path through Crime Lab Analyst levels 1–4 and requires 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Friday.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and an additional twelve semester hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics or pharmacology.
• Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.
• Criminal Justice is not considered a qualifying educational field.
• Applicants must meet the current educational requirements of the hiring agency's accrediting body for the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced-level examinations of biological specimens with knowledge of DNA for genetic characterization of body fluids.
• Perform the collection, handling, and preservation of evidence for future analysis.
• Make decisions for DNA analysis based on the case synopsis provided by the submitting agency, influencing results.
• Serve as an expert witness during court testimonies regarding the analyses and preparation of evidence.
• Conduct reviews, data, and scientific analysis reports, taking corrective actions as required.
• Demonstrate competency by participating in approved testing programs.
• Participate in continuing education and proficiency mandates in line with accreditation and QA standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Accurate documentation

Laboratory procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12+12 schedule hours in biology/chemistry and related sciences

Tools

DNA analysis equipment

Job description

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory is seeking a Crime Lab Analyst to join our Forensic DNA Unit. The unit relies on both laboratory support and analytical staff to support the examination of biological evidence in criminal cases.

Responsibilities vary by assignment. Every position requires careful attention to detail, accurate documentation, and adherence to laboratory procedures. Whether supporting laboratory operations or conducting DNA analysis, each analyst contributes to the quality and reliability of the unit’s work.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing their work well and understands the responsibility that comes with working with evidence that can affect people’s lives. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to forensic science while serving the people of Louisiana.

A baccalaureate degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and an additional twelve semester hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics or pharmacology.

A combination of coursework is allowed.

Applicants must meet the current educational requirements of the hiring agency's accrediting body for the laboratory.

Criminal Justice is not considered a qualifying educational field.

Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Conduct advanced-level examinations of biological specimens with knowledge of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for genetic characterization of body fluids.
• Perform the collection, handling, and preservation of evidence for future analysis.
• Make decisions for DNA analysis based on the case synopsis provided by the submitting agency, which influences the results of analysis.
• Serve as an expert witness during court testimonies regarding the extent of analyses/technical support provided with respect to the evidence analyzed or the work involved in preparing the evidence for analysis.
• Conduct reviews, which involve reviewing data and scientific analysis reports, and taking corrective actions if required.
• Demonstrate competency and proficiency by participating in approved testing programs.
• Participate in continuing education and proficiency mandates in accordance with accreditation, quality assurance standards, and laboratory mission needs.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Crime Lab Analyst 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information:

• Can include courses titled with terms such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemisty, biological chemistry, population genetics, molecular genetics, cell and molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. General education science courses cannot be used to satisfy the educational course requirements.

If prior minimum educational requirements as an analyst were accepted by a Technical Leader from a different laboratory, documentation from a prior external audit is necessary.

Applicants must meet the current educational requirements of the hiring agency's accrediting body for the laboratory. Criminal justice is not considered a qualifying educational field. Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Contact: [e-mail]

Louisiana State Police/Human Resources

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 66614, Baton Rouge, LA 70806