Forensic Scientist II

Duties

The following job duties are established to outline the basic duties and responsibilities of the above captioned position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Documents and protects evidence according to laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
• In an assigned forensic science discipline, examines and analyzes evidence in complex case requests where interpretations could lead to less definitive weighted conclusion, selecting appropriate methods, techniques, and instruments.
• Prepares detailed investigation and laboratory reports; assembles and organizes statements, evidence and exhibits for presentation in court and before grand jury; and attends court and grand jury proceedings and presents evidence and provides testimony effectively based on expert opinion of findings.
• Provides peer review and participates in proficiency testing to maintain expertise.
• Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various word processing, spreadsheet and/or file maintenance programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information as requested or otherwise necessary and summarizes data in preparation of standardized reports. May utilize a specialized computer database for evidence comparisons.
• Trains law enforcement personnel and community groups in proper techniques and procedures of recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence and general Criminalistics. Prepares and conducts classroom and field instruction and demonstrations.
• Assists the District Attorney's office in preparation of specialized diagrams or other displays for use in trials resulting from activities at major crime scenes or in the course of analysis of casework.
• May assist with the identification, collection, and acquisition of evidence at crime scenes, as assigned.
• May perform scientific research.
• May be assigned to supervise lower-level staff in setting up workload schedules or "rush" case assignments.
• Must successfully complete all laboratory training requirements for assigned discipline.

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

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminalistics, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Physics, Forensic Science, Computer Science, or a field related to the work assignment. Examples of related fields, including but not limited to, are pharmacology, medical technology, genetics, analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or toxicology.
• Must have successfully completed either undergraduate or graduate level coursework totaling at least nine cumulative semester credit hours (or equivalent) in the following subjects: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology; and statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
• Three years of technical experience in a forensic science laboratory performing analyses of physical evidence, which includes testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
• Must have the ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; and the ability to count, sort, and categorize inventory items.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables, in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to operate telephones, computer terminal, keyboard, photocopier, printer/scanning instrumentation, and specialized equipment specific to the assigned discipline.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Familiarity with ABI Life Tech instrumentation, software, and kits
• STRmix experience

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid state-issued driver’s license

Other Necessary Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Employee must have the ability to stand, sit, and walk.
• Specific vision abilities, and/or corrected vision abilities, are required, including dual vision, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing sufficient to converse via telephone or in person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office and laboratory environment with extended periods of sitting and standing. Some duties may occasionally be performed outdoors.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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