Forensic Specialist - Biology/DNA

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs examinations on evidence leading to forensic conclusions for use in legal proceedings in all types of cases.
• Prepares written reports of forensic analysis and conclusions for use in legal proceedings.
• Examination, identification, and comparison of evidence and/or investigation of various types of crimes.
• Conducts routine examination and/or investigation under direct supervision.
• Demonstrates effective use of case management to meet the case and/or court deadlines.
• May provide expert forensic guidance and advice to judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to prepare exploratory questions for witnesses.
• Provides testimony in legal proceedings.
• May participate in quality control and quality assurance checks on biology/DNA standards, and quality affecting materials used in the respective unit.
• Perform technical and/or administrative reviews on reports generated by other Unit personnel. May perform technical review and confirmation of identifications and associations on reports in multiple sub-disciplines.
• May testify as an expert witness.
• Conduct field crime scene work to gather and analyze evidence.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Subject to being on-call 24/7 for the response to field crime scenes.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area and coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics/population genetics.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of progressive work experience in (Forensic Crime) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Forensic Evidence Technician
OR
• Education & Experience Substitution: 3-5 years of progressive work experience in (Forensic Crime) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Forensic Evidence Technician

PREFERENCES:

• Preference is given to candidates with a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area with coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics/population genetics, plus 0-2 years of progressive work experience in a forensic laboratory.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the general theory and application of biology.
• Knowledge of forensic laboratory analysis techniques and applications.
• Knowledge of methods, procedures, equipment, and materials used in controlled substance analysis and their limitations.
• Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge of criminal law.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of forensic sciences, statistics, and evidence preservation processes relates to modern forensic laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of research or investigative techniques and controls, which limit or expand the significance of the findings.
• Knowledge of the impact of work and testing performed in compliance with accreditation and state/federal regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, with emphasis on those procedures associated with the handling of biohazardous materials.
• Skill in laboratory techniques.
• Skill in explaining scientific procedures and results to a layperson in understandable terms.
• Skill in recording and maintaining detailed records.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Skill in maintaining a good rapport with criminal justice personnel and fellow employees.
• Skill in working with others to achieve common goals.

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