Forensic Scientist, Biology

Duties

Duties

• Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
• Examines evidence items to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, and identify samples for analysis.
• Performs presumptive testing, confirmatory testing and DNA analysis on evidence items.
• Collects trace evidence.
• Interprets the scientific data gathered and prepares meaningful reports in a manner to be presented to a judge and jury in a court of law.
• Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
• Prepares, processes and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
• Documents, handles, packages, and receives evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with established forensic practices under state and federal laws.
• Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
• Instructs others in forensics, DNA evidence collection, and provides training seminars, to include outside law enforcement agencies under mutual aid requests.
• May be assigned to train new employees and or act as a trainer to coworkers in specific specialty areas.
• May be asked to evaluate, apply for and/or monitor potential grant related programs and opportunities.
• Operates computers and standard office equipment, including commonly used computer software programs, as required by the position.
• Maintains regular and acceptable attendance.
• Is available and willing to work overtime such as weekends and holidays as the Sheriff’s Office or UFL Management determines is necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
• May perform duties both in the office and in the field.
• Interacts effectively with others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of modern forensic laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of the workflow of a forensic crime lab.
• Considerable knowledge of criminal law, criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence.
• Must meet the education requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
• Knowledge of DNA QAS documents and ISO 17025:2017 standards.
• Knowledge and use of the CODIS database systems.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA statistical calculations.
• Knowledge of computers and commonly used computer software programs.
• Ability to operate computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as any other standard office equipment, as required by the position.
• Ability to give professional expert testimony in courts of law.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and other law enforcement/judicial personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in verbal and written English, to include public speaking.
• Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision-making.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff.
• Ability to get along well with others.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a closely related field. EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience in performing laboratory duties associated with the processing of biological and DNA evidence in a law enforcement agency.
OR
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that satisfies the requirements of the job as approved by the Sheriff’s Office.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a closely related field.
• EXPERIENCE: Three (3) to five (5) years of experience performing DNA Analyses in an accredited forensic laboratory. Experience with grant research, writing, and application.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within the initial probationary period.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License.
• This position is subject to call for assignments that require working nights, weekends and holidays as deemed necessary by the Sheriff’s Office and/or the management of the UFL.
• Must successfully complete the initial probationary period and training.

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