To perform independent routine to complex technical examinations of evidence to include DNA

analyses. Responsible for conducting specialized analytical procedures, conducting examination of

evidence, and providing reports. Responsible for providing direction and guidance to less
experienced DNA examiners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs routine to moderately complex analyses, tests, and examinations involving a variety
of biological materials; Safeguards evidence and maintains chain-of-custody through the use of
physical protocols and applicable documentation. Ensures safety precautions and applicable
regulations are followed.
Conducts examinations and experiments utilizing well defined methods and a variety of
scientific tools, equipment, instrumentation and techniques; Identifies and initiates appropriate steps
to solve a variety of analytical problems; Performs transfer of technology, methods development and
validation applicable to analysis of evidence; Identifies research requirements to enhance
examination methods and coordinates with the clients and other research components as
necessary; Provides guidance to junior examiners regarding the nature and extent of examinations to
be conducted on more complex materials and items of evidence.
Prepares and furnishes authoritative oral and written reports to facilitate investigative,
intelligence, prosecution and other functions that support mission requirements. The reports will
require the ability to clearly convey the opinions and findings as determined through detailed
examinations and analysis. Updates case management and other database systems as required.
Coordinates routine to moderately complex matters related to scope of analyses with other
laboratory units, outside agencies, and related entities.
Provides authoritative support to the client and other components within a multi-agency
activity. Participates in liaison and meetings with officials from outside agencies to coordinate cases
of mutual interest. May provide training regarding the analytical process and related functions
consistent with the needs of the client.
Presents court testimony regarding examination of evidence as necessary to support mission
requirements.
Travel: OCONUS deployment to Afghanistan required on rotational basis.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Forensic Science, Chemistry or related
discipline. Must have six (6) years of direct experience working in a forensic laboratory performing
DNA analysis on criminal evidence, including blood and bloodstains, body fluids, and stains of body
fluids, hair and other items requiring DNA or related analysis; generation of DNA profiles,
performance of visual and microscopic examination of hairs; comparison of evidence from victims,

scenes, or instruments of incidents to evidence from suspects. Must have one (1) year of experience
as the lead of a team of DNA analysts. Professional certification such as American Board of
Criminalistics (ABC) is desired. Must have professional knowledge of the principles, theories,
methods and technical procedures used to analyze evidence containing biological material for DNA.
Must have knowledge of general forensic laboratory case working procedures, quality control and
safety procedures; knowledge of ISO quality standards for testing and calibration laboratories and/or
the standards of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD/LAB) Laboratory
Accreditation Board. Must be familiar with or have working knowledge of other disciplines within a
forensic laboratory to assure that examinations are consistent with accepted protocols and that
casework is properly coordinated with other forensic specialties as necessary. Must have excellent
oral and written communication skills to communicate results of analyses. Must have knowledge of
legal procedures and rules of evidence to handle evidence appropriately and provide effective
testimony. Must be able to perform analyses and administrative functions within prescribed
parameters set by client facilities regulations, guidelines, and procedures. Must pass U.S.
Government security background investigation and be able to obtain & maintain Secret security
clearance. Must pass both a physical and dental examination (as required for OCONUS
assignment). Must possess a current U.S. Government issued passport.
Planning,scheduling, and completing analysis and evaluation of complex projects toassess the effectiveness of
management
and/or
program
operations.
Independently analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of program operations in meeting established goals and
objectives.

Examine potential DNA samples from evidence using approved procedures designed to
minimize the possibility of sample contamination. Properly pack, mark and store in preparation
for extraction. Ensure proper chain of custody is maintained.
to identify blood, semen and other body fluids, generate STR DNA profiles, analyze and interpret data
from analysis which typically consists of complex mixtures and low level samples. case approach,
performing body fluid identification/detection testing, and sample selection for DNA analysis plan,
manage and prioritize forensic biology/DNA caseloads.

Analyze and interpret data from analysis which typically consists of complex mixtures and low
level samples.
Use photographic equipment to capture still images of each evidence item and relevant key
portions of the evidence item, or other exhibits, to support further analysis, conclusions, and
documentation. Annotate the case file documentation, detailing the processing techniques and
the examination results.
Perform administrative and/or technical reviews of reports and worksheets.
Perform instrument maintenance.
Identification of blood and bloodstains, body fluids, and stains of body fluids, hair and other
items requiring DNA or related analysis.
Four (4) years of experience working in a forensic laboratory performing DNA analysis on
criminal evidence, including blood and bloodstains, body fluids, and stains of body fluids, hair
and other items requiring DNA or related analysis; generation of DNA profiles, performance of
visual and microscopic examination of hairs; comparison of evidence from victims, scenes, or
instruments of incidents to evidence from suspects.

One (1) year of experience as the lead of a team of DNA analysts.

Successfully engaged in independent research, evaluation, and validation activities associated
with forensic biology/DNA; performing and documenting a range of examinations regarding
human DNA (preferably STR) analysis of casework and/or DNA database samples; providing
training and consultation services to professional criminal justice and scientific audiences; and
testifying as an expert regarding forensic/database DNA examinations, as applicable.
* Maintain established standards of laboratory cleanliness, safety, and efficiency.
* Provide scientific and technical expertise in genetics, forensic biology, and DNA analysis.
* Follow analytical methods and the quality and safety procedures.
* Document quality controls and work.
* Check that the report issued for analysis they perform is accurate.
* Report results of all analysis performed through written/electronic reports.
* Provide expert testimony in complex DNA analysis, genetics, and relevant population
statistics.
* Technical review of casework.
* Administrative review of casework.
* Perform technical audits.
* Perform validation studies to investigate and implement new methodologies.
* Train police officers and medical personnel in collection of evidence.
* Participate in routine quality control measures, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
Designs and conducts a series of analytical tests, including biology (DNA, CODIS, and
Serology) analysis on evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel. Documents evidence
and prepares detailed reports of findings detailing analytical methods and techniques used to
support conclusions for submission to legal authorities and courts of law. Testifies in court as an
expert witness on the analysis of evidence and conclusions reached. Researches scientific
literature and exchanges information with peers to stay current with latest scientific advances in
the analysis of criminal evidence. Participates in the laboratory's proficiency testing program.
Provides training, technical support, and consultation to the law enforcement officers/agencies,
attorneys, and other public officials and citizens of the state.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic analysis, and of forensic analytical
methods and techniques. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and agency policies governing
forensic activities. Knowledge of laboratory equipment used to perform forensic analysis. Ability
to plan and organize forensic analysis. Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and appear
as an expert witness in court. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates.
Ability to conduct research, establish new analytical procedures, and prepare and present
training on the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.

Forensic Scientist - Forensic Biology - CF417

Dept of Forensic Science - Manassas, VA
$53,699 - $89,836 a year
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology
examinations at our Northern Laboratory in Manassas. Duties of this position include identification 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. Prepares reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system 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. Requires some travel.
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 covering the

subject areas of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA
technology), as well as course work and/or training in statistics and population genetics as applied to
forensic DNA analysis. Six months experience with DNA STR analysis in a private, state or federal
forensic laboratory. Documented training from an accredited forensic laboratory in forensic DNA PCRbased STR analysis on the capillary electrophoresis platform in a program that includes methods,
procedures, equipment, and materials used for forensic DNA analysis and their applications and
limitations. Forensic laboratory casework experience in DNA isolations and PCR testing and other
molecular biology techniques, including preparation of case-specific reports containing results and
conclusions. Forensic laboratory casework experience including case approach, performing body fluid
identification/detection testing, and sample selection for DNA analysis. Knowledge of laboratory safety
and QA/QC procedures. Ability to distinguish color differences, maintain accurate records, analyze and
interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions
from analyses. Selected candidate must be eligible to possess a valid driver??s license or have other
means of reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience testifying as an expert witness in federal and/or state courts. Related advanced degree.
Experience with CODIS software. Forensic related teaching/training experience. Experience with forensic
Y-STR analysis. Experience with forensic gel-based STR analysis using the FMBIO platform.
Special Requirements
Selected candidates must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample), be fingerprinted,
drug tested and pass a security background check.