About This Role
This vacancy posting may fill three positions in the Central Laboratory, which are grant-funded through September 30, 2027. This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. The role involves performing forensic biology examinations, including identification and detection of blood and other body fluids, DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis, and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence. The successful candidate will access CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches, prepare reports of findings, and testify in court as an expert witness.
Responsibilities
- Perform forensic biology examinations at the Central Regional Laboratory
- Identify and detect blood and other body fluids
- Conduct DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence
- Utilize state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation
- Access CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches
- Prepare reports of findings, including statistical calculations as applicable, for use by the criminal justice system
- Testify in court as an expert witness
- Communicate with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results, and conclusions
- Instruct law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence
Requirements
- 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
- Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory in forensic DNA PCR-based STR analysis on casework using the capillary electrophoresis (CE) 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, drawing conclusions, and calculating statistics 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
- Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
- Knowledge, skill, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
- 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
Nice to have:
- 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 and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
- Experience with CODIS software related to entry of DNA casework profiles and searching/evaluating casework candidate matches
- Experience teaching forensic related courses or conducting forensic training
- Experience conducting forensic Y-STR analysis
- Experience with STRmix™, or other probabilistic genotyping software, related to the deconvolution of DNA mixture profiles and calculation of likelihood ratios
- Certification by a nationally recognized body
Trainee Requirements
- 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
- Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
- Possess good oral and written communication skills
- Valid driver’s license or other means of reliable transportation
Nice to have:
- Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science DNA laboratory (working and/or internship)
- Paid work experience with DNA STR analysis on forensic evidence samples
Important Details
- Schedule: Occasional overnight travel will be required
- Contract: Restricted Full-Time
- Application deadline: October 28, 2026 - 23:55 EDT
- Team: This vacancy posting may fill three positions
Application Process
- All applications must be submitted electronically through this website
- Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, résumé, and any required transcripts (if applicable)
Background Investigation
- Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with employee’s current supervisor
About the Company
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform forensic biology examinations.