Forensic Scientist II (DNA)

Arizona Department of Public Safety•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is hiring experienced and motivated forensic scientists specializing in DNA. The Forensic Scientist II examines, identifies, and evaluates physical evidence using scientific techniques and instrumentation, prepares technical reports, provides expert testimony, and advises and trains other forensic scientists. The position handles complex casework in its discipline and may recommend revisions to analytical methods and purchases of scientific equipment. Supervision is received from a Supervising Forensic Scientist. This may be a competitive or progressive classification. The recruitment will establish an eighteen-month eligibility list for current and future vacancies in the Phoenix area. Candidates must successfully complete the examination process, consisting of a written examination weighted 40% and a Qualifications Appraisal Board weighted 60%. Transcript copies, official or unofficial, are required with the application. The role involves examining a range of suspected evidence and using physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, comparative, classification, computer, molecular biology, chromatographic, and visualization methods. Work may include responding to crime scenes to gather, preserve, and transport evidence; discussing results with officers and attorneys; attending pre-trial conferences; preparing courtroom exhibits; and testifying in courts throughout Arizona. The scientist also stays current with developments in forensic science, researches analytical-method problems, answers scientific questions, and trains new forensic scientists. Working conditions may include exposure to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, and toxic, caustic, infectious, corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive materials. The position may require moving items weighing up to 20 pounds and responding to crime scenes and court appearances as needed. The employee must provide a DNA sample for the staff database. Minimum qualifications include four years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory and a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a closely related physical or natural science, along with specified chemistry coursework and demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline. Additional forensic scientist experience may substitute for chemistry semester hours. Progression to the next classification requires an overall performance rating of at least “Standard” in the last 12 months.

Requirements

Four years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in biology, chemistry, or a closely related physical or natural science.
At least 30 semester hours in chemistry, or at least 20 semester hours in chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.
Demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline.
Additional forensic scientist experience beyond the required four years may substitute for chemistry coursework at a rate of one year of additional experience for ten chemistry semester hours.
Must successfully complete the examination process, including a written examination and a Qualifications Appraisal Board.
Transcript copies, official or unofficial, are required with the application.
Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.
Knowledge of the principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, biology (including molecular biology), toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, or related sciences.
Knowledge of the basic uses and effects of controlled substances and the hazards and toxicity of chemicals.
Knowledge of statutes and case law applicable to the assigned forensic discipline and use of physical evidence in court, as well as criminal procedure rules concerning time limits, discovery, evidence, and expert witnesses.
Knowledge of crime scene procedures and techniques for processing evidence at crime scenes.
Knowledge of mathematics related to scientific data analysis and of coaching and training techniques.
Skill in operating laboratory instruments, equipment, and computer systems related to the area of responsibility.
Ability to define problems, establish facts, interpret information, and draw valid scientific conclusions.
Ability to recognize minute differences in shape and form; chemically identify and quantify compounds; and interpret scientific data to establish statistical probabilities of origin.
Ability to communicate scientific findings orally and in writing, testify and undergo intense examination in court, and perform detailed work accurately.
Ability to read and interpret scientific materials and conduct and evaluate scientific research.
Ability to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed and move items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Responsibilities

Examine, identify, and evaluate suspected evidence using appropriate scientific techniques and instrumentation.
Prepare technical written reports documenting scientific analyses and results.
Attend pre-trial conferences, prepare exhibits for courtroom use, and provide expert testimony in courts throughout the state.
Discuss laboratory test results and evidence collection with officers and attorneys.
Stay current on scientific advancements through technical publications, presentations, and training, and apply appropriate methodologies.
Respond to crime scenes to gather, preserve, and transport evidence to the crime laboratory for analysis.
Research problems associated with routine analytical methods.
Provide general scientific information to Department staff, other agencies, and the public.
Provide technical advice and guidance to other forensic scientists handling difficult analyses.
Train new forensic scientists in laboratory methods and courtroom qualification skills.
Perform complex casework in the assigned forensic discipline.
Recommend revisions to analytical methodology and purchases of scientific equipment.