Forensic Science Technician
About The Position
This position will be assigned to the DNA section of the DCI Crime Laboratory and is a technical support role for forensic and database laboratory operations. The FST position may operate analytical laboratory instrumentation to perform robotic sampling, DNA extraction, quantitation, normalization, direct amplification, traditional PCR amplification, and capillary electrophoresis in order to process DNA samples up to the point that the DNA data is ready to be interpreted by a Criminalist. The FST position will not be responsible for the interpretation of DNA data. The FST position will document their testing results, prepare reports, and testify in court to work performed on cases. The FST position will triage laboratory submissions and communicate with laboratory stakeholders to determine case status and evidence priorities to obtain the best possible outcome for the stakeholder. The FST position will convert and electronically store case reports and case files and will maintain an inventory of chemicals, reagents, and laboratory consumables. The FST position will prepare reagents, record daily cooler temperatures, manage biohazard and regular waste for the DNA section and perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related scientific field
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry, biology, physics, or a related scientific field is also acceptable
- Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation
- Must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments
- Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s License
- Applicants must possess an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related field to qualify for positions in this job classification.
- For select positions, applicants may be required to meet one or more of the additional qualification requirements listed below. A minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of full-time experience, or an equivalent combination of both in the following areas: photography, DNA analysis, crime scene
- For select positions, a minimum of six months of full-time experience in the following areas: latent fingerprint development, firearms
- Applicants for this job class must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
- Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class.
- Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Responsibilities
- Instrument maintenance
- Accessioning DNA database samples
- Data entry
- Screening and sampling items of evidence
- Operate analytical laboratory instrumentation to perform robotic sampling, DNA extraction, quantitation, normalization, direct amplification, traditional PCR amplification, and capillary electrophoresis
- Document testing results
- Prepare reports
- Testify in court to work performed on cases
- Triage laboratory submissions
- Communicate with laboratory stakeholders to determine case status and evidence priorities
- Convert and electronically store case reports and case files
- Maintain an inventory of chemicals, reagents, and laboratory consumables
- Prepare reagents
- Record daily cooler temperatures
- Manage biohazard and regular waste for the DNA section
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
- Unlimited sick leave accrual
- Nine (9) paid holidays per year
- Affordable health plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
- Dental – Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
- $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)
- Long-Term Disability Insurance – Available at no cost
- IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50
- Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Employee Discount Programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
