Forensic Laboratory Biology Analyst

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Biology Analyst to perform biology/DNA examinations and prepare comprehensive reports. You will support investigations by analyzing evidence, maintaining meticulous records, and presenting findings in court.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, DNA coursework, and at least one year of forensic biology/DNA experience, with adherence to FBI QA standards and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science.
• At least 9 credit hours in biology/chemistry related to DNA analysis.
• Statistics coursework or population genetics.

Responsibilities

• Perform biology/DNA examinations per protocols.
• Write reports documenting findings and conclusions.
• Testify as an expert witness in court.
• Advise on biology issues to staff.
• Brief attorneys and staff on findings.
• Maintain biology files.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

DNA analysis

Forensic biology

Report writing

Court testimony

Data organization

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science

9 credit hours in biology/chemistry

Statistics coursework

One year forensic biology/DNA experience

Tools

CODIS software

DNA analysis equipment

Job description

Why choose HCSO? We have a history of stability and excellence. We continue to maintain and cultivate the highest level of standards and professionalism. We are unlike any other. Join the HCSO family!

Compensation

Compensation Range $33.75-$51.90 Starting Salary Range 33.75-42.825

Job Description Summary

Perform biology examinations and comparisons using biology/deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) protocols.

Job Description Duties & Responsibilities

• Duties may vary based on assignment.
• Perform examinations on submitted evidence according to biology/DNA protocols.
• Write reports to document findings and conclusions of cases.
• Testify as an expert witness in court regarding biology examination and comparison procedures to facilitate the court's understanding of biology/DNA evidence.
• Respond to requests for assistance to advise on biology issues.
• Brief attorney, criminal justice personnel, and judicial staff on biology findings.
• Maintain electronic/hardcopy biology files.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of advanced biology/DNA examination techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of the history of forensic biology.
• Working knowledge of biology/DNA techniques and use of section equipment and processes.
• Knowledge of the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards and forensic accreditation bodies and processes.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to maintain technical expertise.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to maintain work-related records and prepare reports.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Working Conditions

Work within a forensic laboratory environment within a law enforcement agency. Work with items of evidentiary value, which may contain body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen) that have been processed with chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic or toxic. Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or microscope. May engage in light physical exertion (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds). May travel to various work sites using a Sheriff’s Office-issued vehicle (e.g., car, full-size van, full-size pickup truck) to perform essential duties. May be required to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. In the event of an emergency or disaster, may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by management chain, Division/District Commander, or the Sheriff (or their designee). Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

When completing application and background tasks, the system times out after 2 hours of inactivity. Information on unsaved/unsubmitted pages will be lost.

Minimum Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area.
• Completion of at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis.
• Completion of coursework covering statistics or population genetics.
• One year of experience in forensic biology/DNA examinations including testifying as an expert witness during court trials.

Required Post-Employment Testing

Must successfully complete the HCSO Biology Analyst Competency Examination within the first six months of assignment.

Additional Job Requirements

• Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.
• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment.
• Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
• No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck.
• Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff’s Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.
• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months.
• No marijuana use within the last 12 months.
• No felony convictions within lifetime.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.
• Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.
• Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment (certified only).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previously qualified analyst with documented mixture interpretation training.
• Completion of the FBI’s DNA auditor training.
• Experience in a National DNA Index System (NDIS) participating laboratory working with the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) software.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We seek to offer employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. At the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, we work together to encourage a strong and agile workforce while helping each individual realize his or her full potential. We take a future-oriented and targeted approach to training and crime control. We are a respected enforcement agency with over 160-year history of success driven by integrity, honor and dedication.

Successful candidates undergo a background investigation including, criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening. Once selected for a background investigation, the process takes approximately 3 months.