Forensic Scientist Biologist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Central Laboratory - CF797

Title: Forensic Scientist Biologist or Trainee - Forensic Biology - Central Laboratory - CF797

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist I

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 currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Division of Technical Services, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The transition is anticipated for the First Quarter of 2026.

This vacancy posting may fill two (2) positions in the Central Laboratory located in Richmond, VA.

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

• Bachelor’s (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
• 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 l