Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Forensic Biology

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

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.
• This position requires occasional overnight travel and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors (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 drivers license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• 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

Trainee:
If a qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $50,531. Upon successful completion of training, the trainees salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training will last approximately 9 to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors (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
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid drivers license or other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:

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

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Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology