Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut - DESPP Div of Scientific Svcs; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) invites applications for a Forensic Science Examiner 1 in Meriden, CT. The role focuses on DNA analysis within the Forensic Biology/DNA Section, performing full-process examinations and collaborating with law enforcement to support investigations.

Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field; prior experience in forensic analysis is preferred.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.
• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science or closely related field may substitute for up to 4 years of experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one additional year of experience.
• Ph.D. may substitute for an additional year of experience.
• Experience with DNA techniques including extraction, quantitation and amplification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Examine submitted evidence and prepare comprehensive written descriptions.
• Photograph and document evidence; remove trace materials for analysis.
• Conduct complex analyses using standard methodologies and instrumentation.
• Assist in crime scene reconstruction and on-scene evidence collection.
• Testify in court as an expert witness; maintain laboratory equipment and evidence custody.

Skills

DNA techniques

Probabilistic genotyping

Robotics handling

LIMS systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science or related field

Master’s degree in forensic science or related field

PhD in forensic science or related field

Tools

STACS/Forensic LIMS

Job description

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for a Forensic Science Examiner 1 to join our team within the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!

Professional growth and development opportunities

A healthy work/life balance to all employees

The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

The Forensic Science Examiner 1 will be recruited to work within the Forensic Biology/DNA Section with a focus on DNA analysis. In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals and forensic science examiners, and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. More details can be found in the class specification and the Examples of Duties section below.

This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.

We are seeking individuals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology or a closely related field.

ABOUT US

The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:

Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry

Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling

Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis

In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:

Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards

Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions

Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks receiving, examining and conducting complex analyses of physical evidence resulting from all manners of criminal actions.

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION:

Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SECTION:

Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of evidence such as latent fingerprints, electronic/digital imaging, firearms, ballistics, toolmarks, questioned documents, imprints and investigating electronic related criminal activity.

TOXICOLOGY SECTION:

Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as trace, physical, chemical samples, autopsy specimens, body fluids, hairs, fibers and identification of suspected poisonous substances.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Examines submitted evidence and completes a written description; Photographs evidence; Removes trace materials from evidence for analysis in areas of criminalistics and identification; Conducts complex criminalistic forensic analysis of evidence utilizing conventional wet chemistry methodologies and/or technical instrumentation relating to gas chromatography, ultra/violet spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, emission spectrography, liquid thin layer and column chromatography, electrophoresis, scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, alternate light sources, photographic equipment and computer technology; Assists in reconstruction of crime scene; Conducts forensic identification in areas of documents, firearms and latent fingerprints; Maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence; Participates in research programs; Conducts on-scene collection and preservation of evidence; Handles materials and samples before and after analysis in order to maintain them for safekeeping; Prepares comprehensive reports; Provides explanations and interpretations of results; Testifies in court as an expert witness; May assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel; Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of modern methods utilized in crime scene processing and evidence identification; applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials; physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and reconstruction techniques;

Skills: oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills;

Ability to conduct laboratory analysis; utilize computer software; act as an expert witness in a court of law; utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience required on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. A Master’s degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience. A Ph.D. in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience. Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience conducting DNA techniques including extraction, quantitation, amplification and capillary electrophoresis on forensic evidence. Experience with forensic DNA analysis and mixture interpretation. Experience with probabilistic genotyping. Experience with automated robotics for sample handling as it pertains to forensic DNA testing. Experience with JusticeTrax, Sample Tracking and Control System (STACS) Casework or similar forensic-based Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) system.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for permanent appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec.5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.