DPS - CLD - Forensic Scientist I-IV Bio/DNA - 6052-6055
Texas A&M International
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Job summary
Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking Forensic Scientists I–IV to perform analyses of biological evidence, with emphasis on DNA testing and CODIS-related workflows. The role includes preparing technical reports, maintaining chain of custody, and testifying as needed.
Training is provided, with opportunities to advance through the scientist series. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry/forensic science, plus college-level statistics (or population genetics)
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or related area.
- College-level statistics or population genetics coursework required; substitution rules apply for licensing.
- Must be able to obtain a Texas Forensic Science Commission license within specified timelines.
- Substitution Note: A forensic analyst license may substitute for the education requirements.
Responsibilities
- Performs entry-level to advanced forensic analyses across biology/DNA and related disciplines; prepares written reports.
- Trains on laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, and identifications of physical evidence from crime scenes.
- Testifies as an expert witness in court when required.
- Maintains chain of custody and adheres to laboratory procedures and safety standards.
- Maintains documentation, records, and case notes; participates in method validations and quality assurance duties.
- Travels occasionally for testimony or interagency collaboration.
Education
Job description
DPS - CLD - Forensic Scientist I-IV Bio/DNA - 6052-6055
*** Copies of OFFICIAL Transcripts indicating conferred degree are required and must be attached to your application to be considered. ***
***This is a Grant Funded Position***
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment must provide documentation from a physician of:
1. Visual acuity,
2. Color vision acuity for Friction Ridge, Firearms & Toolmarks, Forensic Document Examination, Seized Drugs, Trace Evidence, Biology/DNA and CODIS, Digital/Multimedia, and Audio/Video Image Enhancement only,
All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six (6) months of the start date.
Current employees, with no acuity testing on file, must provide documentation from a physician, before starting in new position
Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01. This applies to the following disciplines: Firearms & Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option D), Trace Evidence (Option E), Toxicology (Options F, K), Biology/DNA and CODIS (Option G) within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment.
A college-level statistics course is required for new hire licensing. If the applicant for Firearms & Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option D), Trace Evidence (Option E), or Toxicology (Options F, K) has not passed a college-level statistics course, he/she must be able to take, pass and provide official transcripts of a college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Forensic Science Commission (FSC), at personal expense, within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment. An applicant for Biology/DNA and CODIS (Option G) must have successfully completed the course prior to application.
Performs (entry-level) training on laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and identifications/associations of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Training involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results and preparing written opinion reports. Trains on testimony as an expert witness in court as to results of analyses. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs routine (journey-level) forensic science work. Work involves conducting laboratory tests, conducting analyses, and identifying all types of physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Work involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results; establishing and maintaining records; preparing technical reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs moderately complex (journey-level) forensic science work. Work involves conducting laboratory analyses on database samples or physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Work involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results; establishing and maintaining records; preparing technical reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
1. Develops communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with agencies and other customers regarding sensitive information related to the offense and/or analyses being done.
2. Learns how to use the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for purposes of evidentiary documentation, chain of custody, analysis, and other metrics within the laboratory.
3. Learns how to prepare reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
4. Learns how to represent the discipline and the results of analysis in testimony and may serve as an expert witness in court.
5. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with the agency leave and attendance policies
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
7. Reads required training materials and demonstrates understanding of procedures through analysis of competency test samples provided.
8. Learns the examination and collection of stains to determine the presence of blood and other human body tissues and secretions, procedures used to extract DNA from these tissues, and to conduct DNA testing to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin.
9. Learns to evaluate, interpret, and document the DNA tests, and to review the work of other DNA analysts.
1. Follows strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity and the chain of custody for each item of evidence.
2. Collaborates with agencies and other customers to exchange critical information regarding evidence and associated offenses.
3. Prepares reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
4. Serves as an expert witness in court.
5. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
7. For Biology/DNA: Examines stains to determine the presence of blood and other human body tissues and secretions, perform procedures used to extract DNA from these tissues, and conduct DNA testing to compare evidence with samples of known origin.
8. Evaluates, interprets, and documents the DNA tests, and reviews the work of other DNA analysts.
9. Completes technical review and proficiency tests as required.
10. Stays current with scientific literature specifically related to forensic biology and DNA.
1. Follows strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity and the chain of custody for each item of evidence or handles individual characteristic database samples following relevant procedures.
2. Collaborates with agencies and other customers to exchange critical information regarding evidence and associated offenses. Prepares reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
3. Serves as an expert witness in court.
4. Researches forensic science field and studies current material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in forensic examinations.
5. Lectures to or instructs law enforcement groups, schools, and others at the discretion of, or, in absence of the supervisor.
6. Represents the Department at conferences and meetings.
7. Maintains professional contact with nationwide forensic examiners.
8. Performs more exacting and intricate examinations in most difficult cases and assists and teaches other examiners in the more difficult examinations.
9. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
11. For Biology/DNA: Examines stains to determine the presence of blood and other human body tissues and secretions, performs procedures used to extract DNA from these tissues, and conducts DNA testing to compare evidence with samples of known origin.
12. Evaluates, interprets, and documents the DNA tests, and reviews the work of other DNA analysts.
13. Completes technical review and proficiency tests as required.
14. Stays current with scientific literature specifically related to forensic biology and DNA.
15. Participates in method validations and assists in the technical aspects of quality assurance duties as required.
1. Follows strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity and the chain of custody for each item of evidence or handles individual characteristic database samples following relevant procedures.
2. Collaborates with agencies and other customers to exchange critical information regarding evidence and associated offenses. Prepares reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
3. Serves as an expert witness in court.
4. Researches forensic science field and studies current material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in forensic examinations.
5. Lectures to or instructs law enforcement groups, schools, and others at the discretion of, or, in absence of the supervisor.
6. Represents the Department at conferences and meetings.
7. Maintains professional contact with nationwide peers.
8. Performs more exacting and intricate examinations in most difficult cases and assists and teaches other examiners in the more difficult examinations.
9. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
11. For Biology/DNA: Examines stains to determine the presence of blood and other human body tissues and secretions, performs procedures used to extract DNA from these tissues, and conducts DNA testing to compare evidence with samples of known origin.
12. Evaluates, interprets, and documents the DNA tests, and reviews the work of other DNA analysts.
13. Completes technical review and proficiency tests as required.
14. Stays current with scientific literature specifically related to forensic biology and DNA.
15. Participates in method validations and assists in the technical aspects of quality assurance duties as required.
Education - High School Diploma/equivalent required. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science* or a related area, AND successful completion of at least nine (9) upper level credit hours covering an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis AND successful completion of at least one college course in statistics or population genetics**.
*Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.
**Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted.
Substitution Note: An applicable forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission may be substituted for the education requirements.
Substitution Note: Written documentation of prior approval as a DNA analyst in Appendix D of the FBI Quality Assurance Standards audit document may be substituted for the education requirements.
Experience -
Forensic Scientist I - None.
Forensic Scientist II - A minimum of one (1) year of full-time work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist III - A minimum of three (3) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or the equivalent work experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist IV - A minimum of eight (8) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of a promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.
Licensure and/or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must have a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Regulatory knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Forensic Science - Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to:
Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections;
Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management;
Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner;
Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant;
Conduct testing used in examination of evidence
Testify in court as an expert witness.
Interpersonal Skills - Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work effectively with laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills - Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Presentation/Communication Skills - Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.
Research and Comprehension - Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail - Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) - Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Safety - Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.
Travel and/or Schedule - Availability for after-hour and weekend work, on occasion, may be required.
- Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;
- Ability to exercise visual acuity, e.g., stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work, perceive minute differences and details, and ability to withstand the strain of continued close work;
- Ability to accurately identify colors and discern differences in color, applicable only to Seized Drugs (6052LD), Trace Evidence (6052LE), Forensic Document Examination (6052LC) and Audio/Video/Image Enhancement (6052
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