Criminalist I - DNA Casework

About the role

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill four (4) DNA Analyst/Criminalist positions in our Forensic Services - DNA Casework Department. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, integrity, and a basic understanding of scientific principles involved in DNA and Serology analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct serological and DNA analyses on evidence submitted to the SLED Forensic Services Laboratory and provide written reports based on the interpretation of analysis with limited supervision.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts.
• Represent SLED, Forensic Services, and the DNA Casework Department in a professional manner at all times.
• Serve as a Class III law enforcement officer.
• Evaluate case information, identify biological evidence, and perform all aspects of the serological and DNA analysis using defined protocols.
• Interpret results of these analyses and prepare a formal written report.
• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of laboratory techniques and interpretation of DNA results and provide guidance for other analysts regarding case analysis.
• Receive evidence from law enforcement agencies and maintain chain of custody for all evidence taken into the employee's custody.
• Document and preserve evidence for potential further testing.
• Properly document all case-related communications with other parties.
• Effectively interact with other departmental personnel, agency personnel, and other members of the legal community as part of a team and as a departmental leader.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts.
• Present scientific results of analyses and their interpretation in court.
• Participate in pre-trial conferences and hearings; respond appropriately to requests by the court and other authorized parties.
• Participate in training sessions and seminars as requested for required employee continuing education.
• Train other departmental employees to perform these trainings.
• Perform and/or initiate research, validation, quality control, quality assurance, safety, and other responsibilities as directed by departmental supervisor.
• Cook up and/or initiate projects and provide guidance to others to complete these tasks.
• Assume 24-hour call for DNA/Serology related issues to include possible consultation on crime scene processing.
• Maintain certification as a commissioned Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent in a biological, chemical, forensic science or related area from an accredited college/university or obtain one within 90 days of the posting date.
• Must have credits received in genetics, biochemistry, statistics, and molecular biology or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic Serology/DNA analysis.
• Ability to analyze evidence, interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
• Must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at SCCJA.
• Must have thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis.
• Must meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• Must be able to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in the appropriate categories of testing or job functions.
• Must be able to complete duties under limited supervision.
• This position is required to be on periodic 24 hour call, 7 days a week as designated. This may require response to crime scene processing consultation requests throughout the state and may require after hours work and/or overnight travel.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent in a biological, chemical, forensic science or related area from an accredited college/university or obtain one within 90 days of the posting date.
• Must have credits received in genetics, biochemistry, statistics, and molecular biology or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic Serology/DNA analysis.
• Ability to analyze evidence, interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
• Must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at SCCJA.
• Must have thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis.
• Must meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• Must be able to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in the appropriate categories of testing or job functions.
• Must be able to complete duties under limited supervision.