Forensic Scientist - Forensic Biology - Division of Technical Services - CF217 (Agency Only)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Hanover, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science’s Division of Technical Services is seeking a qualified Scientist to conduct research and to assist the Forensic Molecular Biologist with the development, validation, and implementation of new methodologies within the Forensic Biology discipline. This role also supports staff training on current and newly developed or updated procedures and techniques. Casework analysis will be required, as well as maintaining qualifications on current technologies through proficiency testing. Occasional overnight travel will be required, and the employee will be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s (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 STR analysis using the CE platform, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and calculating statistics on casework evidence including the 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, skills, 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting independent research
• 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 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

Responsibilities

• Conducting research
• Conducting method development and validation experiments on human biological fluid and tissue samples using DNA techniques
• Compiling data in an organized manner, preparing validation study reports, and maintaining detailed records of all research and validation work performed
• Providing training to staff as needed on both current and newly implemented or modified technologies
• Working both independently and in collaboration with the Forensic Molecular Biologist and assisting with training for students and part‑time researchers when assigned
• Independently performing comprehensive scientific analyses on a wide range of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies while using state‑of‑the‑art methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation
• Interpreting analytical results, preparing reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system, preparing court exhibits, and testifying in court as an expert witness
• Maintaining qualifications on current technologies through proficiency testing

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization
• Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level