Responsibilities

This is a re-advertisement; previous applicants will need to re-apply to be considered.

This vacancy posting may fill two (2) positions in the Western Laboratory located in Roanoke, VA.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations at the Western Regional Laboratory, located in Roanoke, 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 usig 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.

This position requires occasional overnight travel, and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or related scientific field
College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours with genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA technology) as the main topics, as well as coursework in statistics and/or population genetics as applied to forensic DNA analysis
Minimum of six months forensic human DNA laboratory experience
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 $49,059. 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.

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 degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or related scientific field
College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours with genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA technology) as the main topics, as well as coursework in statistics and/or population genetics as applied to forensic DNA analysis
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

Compensation

Forensic Scientist Salary: $58,108 - $102,070

Forensic Scientist Trainee Salary: $49,059

For information about benefits visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

How to apply

To view position details and to apply, visit: http://jobs.virginia.gov/cw/en-us/job/5035840?lApplicationSubSourceID=

Apply