Senior Criminalist (A) - DNA Database

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

Vacation and sick leave 15 days

Holidays and parental leave

State retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Job summary

State of South Carolina is seeking a Senior Criminalist in the Forensic Services - DNA Database Department. The role requires a bachelor's degree and extensive experience in DNA analysis, with responsibilities spanning data interpretation, CODIS operations, and expert testimony in court.

The candidate will work as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer, uphold FBI QA standards, and contribute to ongoing training and quality assurance efforts within the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, or forensic science with relevant coursework.
• Minimum of 10 years of forensic DNA analysis experience.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer.
• Strong knowledge of FBI QA standards and accreditation.
• Experience providing expert testimony in court.

Responsibilities

• Conduct DNA analysis of samples and interpret results for CODIS entry.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts as needed.
• Maintain compliance with FBI QA standards and accreditation processes.
• Train and mentor staff within the DNA Database Department.
• Manage administrative and quality control tasks to keep the unit efficient.

Skills

DNA analysis

Forensic science

Court testimony

CODIS operations

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological/chemical/forensic science

Tools

CODIS

NDIS

Job description

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.

• 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.

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 on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.