Forensic Scientist or Trainee Forensic Biology Central Laboratory GF661

Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Central Laboratory - GF661

State Role Title:Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $59851 - $105134

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location:Central Lab

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is experiencing significant growth and is currently constructing a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Upon completion the facility will consolidate the Central Laboratory Directors Office Administrative Offices and the Office of the Chief Medical Examinercurrently located in Richmond. The transition is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

This vacancy posting may fill two (2) positions in the Central Laboratory located in Richmond VA. Both positions are grant funded positions and are currently funded through September 30 2026. It is anticipated that the grant will be renewed.

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations at the Central Regional Laboratory located in Richmond 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 (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 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
  
  

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 $50531. Upon successful completion of training the trainees 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 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:

• Bachelors (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 drivers 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
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé 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: Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with employees current supervisor.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Greene

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.