Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor - Forensic Biology - Western Laboratory - CF271 (Agency Only)
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified candidate to lead bench-level and supervisory staff in the daily operations of the Forensic Biology Section at its Western Laboratory. The position ensures compliance with accreditation standards, state requirements, and departmental policies; manages case backlog, workload, and case priorities; monitors productivity; oversees performance checks and validation studies; coordinates inter-laboratory case transfers; implements quality assurance and quality control procedures; and ensures staff receive appropriate training. It also includes performance management and oversight of section operations to support high-quality analytical work. The incumbent independently performs comprehensive scientific analyses on a wide range of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies using advanced forensic biology methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation. Duties include accessing CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches, interpreting analytical results, preparing formal reports for the criminal justice system, preparing court exhibits, and providing expert testimony as needed. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee must provide their own transportation. This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or an advanced degree, in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area.
- At least nine credit hours of undergraduate or graduate 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.
- 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.
- Significant experience as a qualified DNA casework analyst in an accredited forensic laboratory, including DNA isolations; PCR analysis using STRs on the CE platform; interpreting data and drawing conclusions on casework evidence; and preparing case-specific reports containing self-generated results, conclusions, and statistics.
- Comprehensive understanding of FBI Quality Assurance Standards, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and ANAB accreditation criteria.
- Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures.
- Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation.
- Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.
- Must be a current employee of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.
Nice To Haves
- Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting evidence exhibits verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
- Experience supervising technical staff.
- Experience in forensic-related teaching or training.
Responsibilities
- Lead bench-level and supervisory staff in daily operations of the Forensic Biology Section.
- Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, state requirements, and departmental policies.
- Manage section backlog, monitor workload, and ensure staff meet established productivity measures.
- Manage case priorities and oversee required performance checks and validation studies.
- Coordinate inter-laboratory case transfers.
- Implement quality assurance and quality control procedures and ensure staff receive appropriate training.
- Manage performance and oversee section operations to support high-quality analytical work.
- Independently conduct comprehensive scientific analyses of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies using forensic biology methods and instrumentation.
- Access CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches.
- Interpret analytical results and prepare formal reports for the criminal justice system.
- Prepare court exhibits and provide expert testimony as needed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
