Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Eastern Laboratory - CF637

Department of Forensic Science; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified Forensic Scientist II for the Eastern Regional Laboratory in Norfolk, VA. You will perform forensic biology examinations including body fluid identification and DNA STR analysis, with data entry into CODIS and reporting findings for justice proceedings.

You will testify as an expert witness and may travel; a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and ISO/IEC 17025 training are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, or equivalent.
• Nine credit hours of biology/chemistry with statistics/population genetics.
• Forensic human DNA laboratory experience related to STR analysis.
• Completed ISO/IEC 17025 accredited training in DNA PCR-based STR analysis.

Responsibilities

• Identify/detect blood and body fluids.
• Perform DNA PCR-based STR analysis and compare genetic material.
• Enter data in CODIS and prepare reports for the criminal justice system.
• Testify in court as an expert witness and provide testimony as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Court testimony

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry/forensic science

9 college credits in biology/chemistry with statistics or population genetics

ISO/IEC 17025 training in forensic DNA STR analysis

Tools

DNA PCR-based STR analysis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) platform

CODIS software

STRmix or probabilistic genotyping software

Job description

Title:

Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Eastern Laboratory - CF637

State Role Title:

Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range:

$61,946 - $108,814

Pay Band:

5

Agency:

Department of Forensic Science

Location:

Eastern Lab

Agency Website:

www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type:

General Public - G

Job Duties

This vacancy posting may fill one position in the Eastern Laboratory located in Norfolk, VA. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is also filling one Forensic Scientist or Trainee position at the Northern Laboratory. Positions for each Laboratory are posted separately; you must apply directly to each position that you would like to be considered for employment.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations at the Eastern Regional Laboratory, located in Norfolk, Virginia. Duties of this position include identification/detection of blood and other body fluids, DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence using state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation. Accesses CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches, prepares reports of findings, to include statistical calculations as applicable, for use by the criminal justice system. Testifies in court as an expert witness. Communicates with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions. Instructs law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence. Occasional overnight travel will be required, and the employee will be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area


• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling at least nine credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis as well as coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics


• Forensic human DNA laboratory experience commensurate with authorized responsibilities


• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory in forensic DNA PCR-based STR analysis on casework using the capillary electrophoresis (CE) platform


• Experience as a qualified DNA casework analyst in an accredited forensic laboratory conducting DNA isolations, PCR analysis using STRs on the CE platform, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and calculating statistics on casework evidence; preparation of case-specific reports containing self-generated results and conclusions


• Forensic laboratory casework experience performing body fluid identification/detection testing, case approach decision making, and sample selection for DNA analysis


• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures


• Knowledge, skill and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training


• Ability to distinguish colors, maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses


• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner


• Experience and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria


• Experience with CODIS software related to entry of DNA casework profiles and searching/ evaluating casework candidate matches


• Experience teaching forensic related courses or conducting forensic training


• Experience conducting forensic Y-STR analysis


• Experience with STRmix™, or other probabilistic genotyping software, related to the deconvolution of DNA mixture profiles and calculation of likelihood ratios


• Certification by a nationally recognized body

Trainee:

If a qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $52,300. Upon successful completion of training, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training will last approximately 9 to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area


• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling at least nine credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis as well as coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics


• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses


• Possess good oral and written communication skills


• Valid driver’s license or other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:

• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science DNA laboratory (working and/or internship)


• Paid work experience with DNA STR analysis on forensic evidence samples

Probationary Period:

If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served.

Background Investigation:

Selected candidate(s) will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Candidate(s) must also provide a DNA sample via buccal swab (saliva) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted and will include contact with current and previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

DFS uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Greene

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]