Forensic Biology Examiner

This job will be accepting job applications until the position is filled.

Annual Salary:

$81,579.77 – $89,737.75

Department:

Police, Public Safety

Division:

Forensic Services & Evidence

FLSA:

Exempt

Job Description:

This role performs body fluid identification and DNA analysis. They testify in court and prepare reports of findings as well as provide informational services to multiple agencies.

Examples of Duties:

• Conducts examinations in identification/detection of blood and other body fluids, DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material.
• Testifies in court concerning the results of an analysis and the methods used to draw the conclusions.
• Prepares reports of findings, to include statistical calculations as applicable, for use by the criminal justice system.
• Follows appropriate procedures to ensure the security and integrity of evidence.
• Adheres to the management system including the quality policy, quality objectives, terms of service, policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ensures compliance with the ANAB accreditation program.
• Provides informational services to the Charleston Police Department, local law enforcement agencies, and the community concerning DNA analysis and its application.
• Seeks out opportunities to improve the effectiveness of operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• B.A./B.S. degree in biology, chemistry or forensic science-related field from an accredited college or university.
• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling a minimum of twelve cumulative semester hours with genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA technology), and statistics and/or population genetics as applied to forensic DNA analysis as the main topics.
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an accredited private, local, state or federal forensic laboratory in forensic DNA PCR-based STR analysis on casework using the capillary electrophoresis (CE) platform.
• A minimum of 2 years of 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.
• Valid state issued driver’s license.
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel and Word or similar software.
• Experience with GeneMapper IDX sizing software, CODIS software related to entry of DNA casework profiles and searching/ evaluating casework candidate matches.
• Experience with STRmix™, or other probabilistic genotyping software, related to the deconvolution of DNA mixture profiles and calculation of likelihood ratios.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in related field.
• Experience and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2025 and ANAB accreditation and the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standard.

Other Necessary Requirements:

• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances governing the working jurisdiction of the laboratory required.
• The selected candidate must successfully pass an FBI background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current and previous supervisors.
• The selected candidate must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample).
• May require evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• In the event of major storms or other emergency situations, this position may be subject to 24-hour shifts or any other emergency schedule that is necessary to meet the City’s needs.

The City of Charleston is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity ( EEOC) as a fundamental policy to be implemented and observed in our daily operation. Our full EEOC statement can be found on our website: www.charleston-sc.gov [charleston-sc.gov]

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