Senior Criminalist (A) - DNA Database

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

15 days annual vacation

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

Parental leave

State retirement plan

Job summary

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking a Senior Criminalist in the Forensic Services - DNA Database Department. A bachelor’s degree and a thorough understanding of DNA analysis principles are required.

The role includes laboratory analysis, data interpretation, CODIS duties, quality assurance, and potential court testimony. The candidate will work in a mission-driven agency focused on public safety, with opportunities to contribute to advanced forensic science initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, or forensic science with genetics/biochemistry/molecular biology/statistics credits.
• 10+ years experience in DNA analysis in a forensic lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA analysis of offender samples using defined protocols and interpret results.
• Conduct CODIS-related specimen management, data entry, and indexing.
• Provide expert testimony in court as needed.
• Assist with training, quality control, and safety programs.

Skills

DNA analysis

Forensic science

Testimony in court

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science

Tools

CODIS systems

NDIS procedures

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Senior Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - DNA Database Department. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, integrity, and a thorough understanding of scientific principles involved in DNA analysis.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Senior Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - DNA Database Department. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, integrity, and a thorough understanding of scientific principles involved in DNA analysis.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state. At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state. We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities. Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov

General Responsibility

Serve as a Senior Criminalist in the DNA Database Department responsible for laboratory analysis of database samples, data interpretation, issuing CODIS hit letters, peer reviews, and testifying in court as necessary. Serve as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer.

Specific Duties

• Conduct DNA analysis of offender samples using defined protocols, interpret results of analysis, and perform technical reviews of DNA results for import into CODIS. Ensure adherence to all appropriate FBI Quality Assurance and accreditation standards.
• Perform the functions of CODIS to include specimen management, data entry, and searching various indexes. Properly confirm and disposition CODIS candidate matches and issue information letters in a timely manner. Update specimen and hit information. Ensure adherence to NDIS procedures.
• Assist with managing the Capacity Enhancement Backlog Reduction grant program.
• Perform other departmental duties such as training, research, quality control, quality assurance, safety, and other responsibilities/projects to keep the unit running at peak efficiency. Submit all required administrative paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts. Participate in pre-trial conferences and hearings and respond appropriately to requests by the court and other associated parties. Participate in training sessions and seminars, including employee continuing education. Conduct training sessions for agency personnel or other groups. Provide information that is in compliance with the laboratory's and SLED's policies and procedures. Obtain and maintain certification as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university in a biological, chemical, or forensic science related area. Must have credits in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and statistics.
• Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience relevant to performing DNA analysis in a forensic laboratory environment.
• If hired, must be able to successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and obtain certification as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer.
• Must have a thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis.
• Must have a working knowledge of computers.
• Must be able to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in appropriate categories of testing or job function.
• This position requires a periodic 24-hour on call status. This may require immediate response to consult on crime scene processing requests throughout the state and may require after hours work and/or overnight travel.
• Must be able to provide expert testimony in a court of law.

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
  

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.
Conditional selection based based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.