Title: Forensic Scientist Biologist - Forensic Biology - Central Laboratory - CF632

State Role Title: Forensic Science Specialist III/Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $55,690

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Central Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is filling two Forensic Scientist – Biologist or Trainee positions in the Central Laboratory located in Richmond, VA. Position CF632 is a general funded position and will be filled first. GF673 is a grant funded position and is currently funded through September 30, 2026. It is anticipated that the grant will be renewed.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to independently perform comprehensive scientific analyses on a diversity of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies at the Central Regional Laboratory. Duties of this position include processing of evidence related to criminal investigations for DNA sample selection and recovery, including identification/detection of blood and other body fluids, male DNA screening on evidence associated with sexual assault cases, DNA isolation and PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis using state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation. Interprets results and prepares reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system (with the exception of cases involving DNA mixture profiles and cases requiring statistical calculations) and 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 is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required. This position is not eligible for the Professional Achievements (PA) program.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or related scientific field
• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours with genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA technology) as the main topics, as well as college course work in statistics and/or population genetics
• A minimum of six months forensic human DNA laboratory experience
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• 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
  

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 teaching forensic related courses or conducting forensic training
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an accredited private, local, state or federal forensic laboratory in forensic DNA PCR-based STR analysis on casework using the capillary electrophoresis 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 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
• Experience as a CODIS user

Trainee:
If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist - Biologist candidate cannot be found, the position will be filled as a Forensic Scientist - Biologist Trainee at a salary of $50,531. The training will last approximately 6 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications above. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations. Additional Trainee Considerations include:

• Paid work experience with DNA STR analysis on forensic evidence samples
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check as well as a federal background check for CODIS access. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Greene

Phone: 804-588-4163

Email: amanda.greene@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.