Forensic Scientist or Trainee

4 weeks ago

Roanoke, Alabama, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

Job Summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a highly skilled Forensic Scientist or Trainee to join our team in Roanoke, Virginia. As a Forensic Scientist or Trainee, you will be responsible for performing forensic biology examinations, including DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Identification and detection of blood and other body fluids
  • DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence
  • Accessing CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches
  • Preparing reports of findings, including statistical calculations as applicable
  • Testifying in court as an expert witness
  • Communicating with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions
  • Instructing law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or related scientific field
  • College courses 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
  • Ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
  • 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
  • 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

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. The training will last approximately 9 to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Requirements for Trainee

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or related scientific field
  • College courses totaling a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours with genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology as the main topics
  • 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

Additional Considerations for Trainee

  • 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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.