Forensic Scientist

Job Summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a highly skilled Forensic Scientist to perform DNA analysis at the Northern Regional Laboratory in Manassas, Virginia. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for identifying and detecting blood and other body fluids, conducting DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis, and comparing genetic material on criminal evidence using state-of-the-art methodologies and instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Access CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches
• Prepare reports of findings, including statistical calculations as applicable, for use by the criminal justice system
• Testify in court as an expert witness
• Communicate with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions
• Instruct law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence

Requirements

• 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 as the main topics
• 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 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
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence
• 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 STRmixTM or other probabilistic genotyping software related to the deconvolution of DNA mixture profiles and calculation of likelihood ratios
• Certification by a nationally recognized body

What We Offer

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Forensic Science offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.