Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Trace Evidence - Central Laboratory - CF803

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $58,108 - $102,070

Pay Band: 5

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 (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform Trace Evidence examinations at the Central Regional Laboratory, located in Richmond, Virginia. This position will independently perform comprehensive chemical and physical examinations on primer residue (PR). The successful candidate will: 1) use current state-of-the-art methodologies and instrumentation to analyze evidence material; 2) prepare Certificates of Analysis on findings for use by the criminal justice system; 3) testify in criminal court proceedings as a qualified expert on laboratory findings and results; and 4) communicate with, and instruct, law enforcement agencies and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and evidence handling guidelines. The position requires occasional overnight travel, and employee will provide own transportation as required.

To be considered qualified, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in performing PR examinations using SEM/EDS. Candidates who are considered qualified will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. Following successful completion of the PR training program, the candidate will be required to successfully complete in-house training programs in additional sub-disciplines.

The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in the examination of primer residue by SEM/EDS
• Experience in a forensic Trace Evidence laboratory environment performing forensic examinations in primer residue by SEM/EDS
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze trace evidence (e.g., Microscopy, FTIR, SEM/EDS, GC/MS, XRD)
• Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment, techniques, laboratory safety, and QA/QC procedures
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, 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 driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation
  

Additional Considerations

• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• 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

Trainee:
If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the required qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $49,059. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Trace Evidence primer residue training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the Trace Evidence training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training may last up to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. Subsequently, there will be training in at least one additional Trace Evidence sub-discipline. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
• 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 driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:

• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
• Experience in a Trace Evidence laboratory environment
  

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 12-month probationary period be served.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. 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.