Forensic Scientist I, Forensic Biology

Duties

• The Forensic Scientist I will complete prescribed Forensic Biology training requirements before beginning casework.
• The Forensic Scientist I is an entry level forensic scientist professional that analyzes forensic evidence in a crime laboratory setting.
• Employees examine and analyze evidence from simple to moderately complex casework for chemical indications of the presence of blood and/or other body fluids and/or perform a DNA typing test to determine the donor of a particular body fluid.
• The employees make judgments, interpret results, and testify in court as necessary to explain and defend their findings.
• Employees operate with some technical independence in the forensic examination of various types of evidence.
• Employees may assist journey or senior analysts in the more varied and moderately complex casework while continuing to learn the techniques, methods and practices involved in the examination of more complex cases.
• Employees handle all evidence under stringent chain of custody rules, and are required to testify in state and federal courts. Public contact requirements are an important part of this position.
• The analyst must project a professional image in dealing with the public, law enforcement officers, and attorneys by telephone, written communications, and in person.
• Employees may be required to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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

Requirements

Due to Federal standards, each analyst that performs DNA analysis is required to have college course work or classes covering the subject areas of:

• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Statistics and/or population genetics

These requirements are in addition to having a bachelor's degree in the appropriate discipline listed under the Education and Experience requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in biochemistry, genetic, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics;
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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