Forensic Scientist II - DNA

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

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About The Position

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking experienced and motivated individuals to join its team as a Forensic Scientist II specializing in DNA. The position uses chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence. Evidence may include controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine, and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents; latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value.

The role prepares technical reports, provides expert testimony in court, and provides technical advice, guidance, and training to other forensic scientists. It recommends revisions to analytical methodology and purchases of scientific equipment, serves as an experienced casework analyst handling complex cases within the discipline, and performs related tasks as required. Supervision is received from a Supervising Forensic Scientist.

This recruitment establishes an eighteen-month eligibility list for current and future vacancies in the Phoenix areas. The salary is $79,531.71 annually.

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 closely related physical or natural sciences.
• Either at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, or at least 20 semester hours of chemistry plus 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 semester hours at a rate of one additional year for ten chemistry semester hours.
• Must successfully complete the examination process.
• Successful applicants must complete a polygraph and background investigation; pre-employment drug testing is required.
• If driving or using a vehicle is an essential job function for State business, applicable driver’s license requirements apply.
• Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Responsibilities

• Use chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Provide expert testimony in court.
• Provide technical advice, guidance, and training to other forensic scientists.
• Recommend revisions to analytical methodology and purchases of scientific equipment.
• Serve as an experienced casework analyst working complex cases within the discipline.
• Perform related tasks as required.

Benefits

• Accrued vacation pay and sick days
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Top-ranked retirement plans
• Affordable medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance plans
• Employee Assistance, Peer and Family Support Programs
• Bus cards partially subsidized by the State
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program)
• Arizona State Retirement System defined benefit plan providing lifelong retirement income
• Long-Term Disability program
• Option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments

What This Job Offers

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