Title: Forensic Laboratory Specialist VI - DNA Databank - Division of Technical Services - GF479

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $56,052-$58,195

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This is a re-advertisement; previous applicants will need to re-apply to be considered.

This is a grant funded position and is currently funded through September 30, 2025. It is anticipated that the grant will be renewed.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Division of Technical Services, DNA Data Bank, is seeking a qualified applicant to independently perform sample accessioning and scientific analyses on DNA Data Bank samples. Duties include high throughput buccal sample accessioning, data entry and communicating with user agencies regarding samples and the DNA Data Bank Sample Tracking System. Duties also include DNA isolation and PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis using state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation, interpreting results, and conducting independent technical review of data. This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy".

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
• Experience with sample accessioning/data entry in a laboratory environment
• Experience handling biological samples in a scientific laboratory
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, follow written protocols and oral instructions, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and independently perform routine duties
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing
• This position requires Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certification, and the employee must obtain such certification as soon as practical. The VCIN system is administered by the Virginia State Police. In order to qualify for VCIN certification, the State Police require that those individuals must be U.S. citizens or must have lawfully resided in the U.S. for the past 10 consecutive years.
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation
  

Additional Considerations

• A minimum of six months human DNA laboratory experience
• 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 forensic DNA PCR-based STR analysis using the capillary electrophoresis platform
• Experience handling high throughput samples in a professional scientific laboratory
• Experience performing DNA isolation and amplification with PCR kits used in forensic laboratories
• Experience using the AB3130xl and/or AB3500xl capillary electrophoresis instrument in a professional laboratory
• Experience as a CODIS user
  

Trainee:
If a fully qualified DNA DATA BANK ANALYST cannot be found, the position will be filled as a trainee. The training will last approximately 8-10 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.

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 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 Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@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.