Forensic Biologist I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Worthington (KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky State Police, invites applications for the Forensic Biologist I role in Louisville. The position supports serological analysis, DNA casework, and DNA database processing within an executive branch, full-time setting.

The one-year training program includes reading assignments, practical examinations, mock trials for testimony, and competency exams. Overtime eligibility applies; the role entails field and laboratory work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological/forensic sciences required.
• Bachelors/degree is primary requirement; no other explicit experience required.
• Substitution options noted: education/experience not applicable.
• No additional special requirements listed.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes unknown/submitted substances to determine properties or identity.
• Receives training in designated forensic disciplines.
• Reviews laboratory reports and analysis.
• Reads relevant literature and attends safety meetings.
• Maintains security of physical evidence until return to submitting agency.
• Provides expert testimony related to forensic analysis.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Ability to multi-task

Strong problem solver

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science or forensic science

Job description

Forensic Biologist I

Pay Grade: 14

Salary: $50,000.00 Annually

Employment Type: EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Hiring Agency: Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Kentucky State Police

Location: 3600 Chamberlain Lane Suite 410, Louisville, KY 40601 USA

Description

Kentucky State Police is the premier, full-service law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With the highest level of professionalism and integrity the Kentucky State Police works to prevent, reduce, and deter crime and the fear of crime; enhance highway safety through education and enforcement; protect and safeguard individual rights; and provide leadership, training, technical, and operational support to the criminal justice community.

Primary Role

Forensic Biologists will be hired for serological analysis, DNA casework, or DNA database. Serological analysts screen evidence for the presence of blood, semen, and saliva. If found, the serologist will take a sample and forward it for DNA analysis. DNA casework analysts will process the positive serological samples for DNA. The DNA database analyst will process DNA profiles of convicted offenders to be entered into a database which can be searched to link DNA profiles to other crimes providing investigative leads. The training program lasts approximately one year and includes reading assignments, practical examinations, mock trials for testimony, and competency exams.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes unknown and known substances submitted by law enforcement agencies and associated entities to determine properties or identity of the substance and make comparisons to known standards.
• Receives specialized training in designated forensic disciplines.
• Compiles and reviews laboratory reports regarding analysis of submitted evidence.
• Reviews work-related literature such as books, journals, periodicals, and notes.
• Attends safety meetings and other work-related meetings.
• Receives and maintains security of physical evidence until returned to submitting agency.
• Provides expert testimony throughout the Commonwealth pertaining to forensic analysis and reports.
• Maintains laboratory instrumentation.
• Responds to crime scenes as needed and participates in other work-related special details.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong problem solver

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science, forensic science, or a related science field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Incumbents in this classification will typically perform their job duties in a forensic laboratory setting. May have some contact with contagious diseases and/or body fluids or regular exposure to noxious odors, chemical substances, and biohazardous compounds, which may require the following of safety procedures. Regular handling of sharp surgical instruments.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 12 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Julie Ferguson at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D