Forensic Scientist - Forensic Biology - Northern Laboratory - CF905

Title: Forensic Scientist - Forensic Biology - Northern Laboratory - CF905

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $62845 - $110393

Pay Band:NV 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location:Northern Lab

Agency Website: Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations at the Northern Regional Laboratory located in Manassas 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. This position requires occasional overnight travel and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors 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 drivers 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

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or rsum is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race sex color national origin religion sexual orientation gender identity age veteran status political affiliation genetics or disability in the recruitment selection and hiring of its workforce. Veterans AmeriCorps Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website no later than the positions closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed emailed faxed or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at or for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

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) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check as well as a federal background check for CODIS access. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employees Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone:

Email:

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.