Senior Criminalist (A) - DNA Database

State of South Carolina•Richland County, SC

About The Position

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is hiring a Senior Criminalist for its Forensic Services – DNA Database Department. The position performs laboratory analysis of DNA database samples, interprets results, conducts technical and peer reviews, issues CODIS hit letters, and provides expert testimony as necessary. The Senior Criminalist also serves as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer and supports the department’s training, research, quality, safety, and operational work. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or forensic science-related field, including coursework in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and statistics, and at least ten years of relevant DNA-analysis experience in a forensic laboratory. The employee must understand the science underlying forensic DNA analysis, be able to use computers, maintain competency and proficiency in relevant testing or job functions, and obtain and maintain Class III Law Enforcement Officer certification. The position includes periodic 24-hour on-call duty, which may require immediate response to crime-scene processing consultations statewide, after-hours work, and overnight travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a biological, chemical, or forensic science-related area.
Coursework in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and statistics.
At least ten years of experience relevant to performing DNA analysis in a forensic laboratory environment.
Thorough understanding of the underlying science of forensic DNA analysis.
Working knowledge of computers.
Ability to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in appropriate testing categories or job functions.
If hired, ability to successfully complete the prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and obtain Class III Law Enforcement Officer certification.
Ability to provide expert testimony in a court of law.
Integrity.

Responsibilities

Conduct DNA analysis of offender samples using defined protocols, interpret results, and technically review DNA results for import into CODIS.
Ensure compliance with applicable FBI Quality Assurance and accreditation standards.
Perform CODIS functions, including specimen management, data entry, and searching various indexes.
Confirm and disposition CODIS candidate matches and issue information letters in a timely manner.
Update specimen and hit information and ensure compliance with NDIS procedures.
Assist with management of the Capacity Enhancement Backlog Reduction grant program.
Support departmental training, research, quality control, quality assurance, safety, and other projects and duties that help keep the unit operating efficiently.
Submit required administrative paperwork in a timely manner.
Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts; participate in pre-trial conferences and hearings and respond to requests from the court and associated parties.
Participate in training sessions and seminars, including continuing education, and conduct training for agency personnel or other groups.
Provide information in compliance with laboratory and SLED policies and procedures.
Obtain and maintain certification as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer.