DNA Examiner

Ideal Innovations; Quantico (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized forensics firm in Quantico, Virginia is seeking a qualified DNA Examiner to join its dynamic team. This role involves working closely with the FBI on forensic analyses and requires a BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in an accredited laboratory. The position offers an opportunity to work in a government laboratory environment, supporting critical forensic missions.

Qualifications

• At least one year as a DNA Examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Must be able to obtain US Top Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Receive and account for boxes of evidence from contributors.
• Conduct DNA examinations and analyses.
• Calibrate instruments used for forensic examinations.
• Conduct DNA examinations on items of evidence and compare profiles or sequences as appropriate.
• Follow QA/QC procedures and accreditation-related policies and safety standards.
• Author forensic reports including laboratory notes and supporting documentation.
• Provide generated profiles or sequences for storage and searching in databases.
• Conduct technical and administrative reviews of all work.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Organization

Flexibility

Learning ability

Education

BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Nine semester hours in biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology + statistics/population genetics

Job description

Job Category: Pending Position Availability

Requisition Number: DNAEX002608

• Posted : November 25, 2025
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Highlights

You’ll be…

• Joining a dynamic forensics team with many opportunities to grow professionally
• Working with other forensic experts in various fields to support the FBI and TEDAC missions
• Experiencing a unique opportunity to work with the FBI laboratory
• Obtaining some or enhancing your experience working in a fully functional government laboratory working closely with other forensics experts

Typical Day

Working in a fully operational forensic laboratory. Receiving evidence, examining evidence, processing evidence, analyzing results and documenting findings.

Tasks

• Receive and account for boxes of evidence and related materials from contributors.
• Visually inspect and process evidence and related materials for mitochondrial and / or nuclear DNA as appropriate; isolate and collect materials for analysis from appropriate areas of various evidentiary materials; prepare samples for instrumental analysis; and associate samples with other existing submissions (as appropriate).
• Make an initial determination of the types of samples suitable for analysis and select appropriate protocols for conducting the examination of materials.
• Conduct DNA examinations on items of evidence.
• Calibrate instruments used for forensic examinations and analysis.
• Maintain proper chain-of-custody of all forensic material under examination
• Follow all QA/QC procedures, protocols and adhere to policies and procedures related to its accreditation and safety standards.
• Conduct DNA analysis and comparisons of profiles or sequences as appropriate.
• Author forensic reports to include all laboratory notes and supporting documentation.
• Provide all generated profiles or sequences in a format necessary for inclusion, storage, and searching of the appropriate DNA databases.
• Conduct technical and administrative reviews of all work.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field of biological science from an accredited university/college.
• Successfully completed coursework in the following subject areas: nine (9) semester hours in the fields of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as well as coursework and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.

Experience:

• At least one (1) year as a DNA Examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Skills:

• Basic computer skills, to include use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook); organization skills; flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities; demonstrated ability to study and pass training, examination, and testing assessments; verbal and written communication skills

Clearance: Ability to obtain US Top Secret Clearance (US citizenship required)

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.