Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Northern Laboratory - CF614
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations at the Northern Regional Laboratory, located in Manassas, 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.
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.
Responsibilities
- Perform forensic biology examinations.
- Identification/detection of blood and other body fluids.
- DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence.
- Access CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches.
- Prepare reports of findings, to include statistical calculations as applicable.
- Testify in court as an expert witness.
- Communicate with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions.
- Instruct law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence.
Benefits
- Outstanding health benefits at competitive rates
- Paid life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Various leave options
- Access to health and wellness programs
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
- Participation in a state retirement plan with tax-deferred savings options and employer matching
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
