Forensic Scientist II, III - Biologist

Duties

The Forensic Scientist II - Biologist job responsibilities include:

• Examines evidence for the presence of biological material and, when necessary, collects trace material.
• Performs serological and DNA testing.
• Interprets single-source DNA typing results to include making comparisons to known profiles, making determinations about the inclusion or exclusion of contributors and making determinations about profiles to be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
• Utilizes statistical databases to make determinations about the frequency of occurrence of profiles developed in the laboratory.
• Performs serology technical reviews.
• Complies with the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

The Forensic Scientist III - Biologist job responsibilities include:

• Examines more complex evidence for the presence of biological material and, when necessary, collects trace material.
• Performs serological and DNA testing.
• Interprets both single-source and DNA mixtures.
• Performs technical reviews on non-mixture DNA cases.
• Performs additional Unit responsibilities such as maintaining inventory, ordering supplies, calibrations, outsourcing, etc.
• Determines suitability for entry into CODIS and complies with the FBI Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

Working Conditions:

• Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions in the last 10 years, Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication in the last 10 years, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and ALL Family Violence Convictions regardless of class.
• Depending on assignment, positions in this class typically require touching, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking and repetitive motions. Works with hazardous materials and chemicals. May be exposed to hazardous and/or dangerous work environments.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist II - Biologist:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area with successfully completed coursework (undergraduate or graduate level) in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis. The scientist shall have a minimum of 9 semester hours (or the equivalent) that cover the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.
• Ability to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within six (6) months from hire date.
• Provide a buccal DNA sample after hire date.
• Must obtain a Texas Forensic Analyst License within one (1) year of hire date.
• Ability to comply with all Texas Forensic Science Commission requirements
• Three (3) years of relevant independent forensic biology/DNA casework experience as a qualified Forensic Scientist I (or equivalent).

Additional Qualifications for Forensic Scientist III - Biologist:

• At least five (5) years of more complex independent forensic biology/DNA casework experience as a qualified Forensic Scientist II (or equivalent).

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