Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Eastern Laboratory - CF637

DHRM•Norfolk, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations at the Eastern Regional Laboratory, located in Norfolk, Virginia. Duties of this position include identification/detection of blood and other body fluids, DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence using state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation. Accesses CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches, prepares reports of findings, to include statistical calculations as applicable, for use by the criminal justice system. Testifies in court as an expert witness. Communicates with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions. Instructs law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence. 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 analysis using STRs on the CE platform, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and calculating statistics on casework evidence; 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, skill 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
Bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area (for Trainee)
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 (for Trainee)
Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses (for Trainee)
Possess good oral and written communication skills (for Trainee)
Valid driver’s license or other means of reliable transportation (for Trainee)

Nice To Haves

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 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 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
Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science DNA laboratory (working and/or internship) (for Trainee)
Paid work experience with DNA STR analysis on forensic evidence samples (for Trainee)

Responsibilities

Identification/detection of blood and other body fluids
DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence using state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation
Accesses CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches
Prepares reports of findings, to include statistical calculations as applicable, for use by the criminal justice system
Testifies in court as an expert witness
Communicates with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions
Instructs law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence