Criminalist I/II - Forensic Biology/DNA (Open and Promotional)

Description

The County of San Mateo's Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, which is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board in both Testing and Calibration, is seeking to fill a Criminalist I/I position within its Forensic Biology and DNA Section, which includes participation in crime scene examination.

The Forensic Laboratory was constructed in March 2003 and is located in San Mateo, California. It is managed by a civilian Laboratory Director who is currently supported by three Supervising Criminalists, one Legal Office Services Supervisor, 28 Criminalists and interns, two Legal Office Specialists, and two Property Officers. The Criminalist will report to a Supervising Criminalist and will analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations, providing laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of serology and DNA analysis. They may participate in validation studies of new technology and methods for use in casework, cold case investigations, internal audits, and guiding our intern program. Also, on a rotational basis, they will respond with a partner to investigate crime scenes for homicides and officer involved critical incidents. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcsheriff.com/multi-jurisdictional-division/forensic-laboratory.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an experienced Forensic Biology/DNA analyst dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the forensic industry.
• Have experience in biological screening, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, and typing.
• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a forensic science-related area.
• Have successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate or graduate coursework covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics and/or population genetics.
• Have a minimum of three years of forensic DNA laboratory experience, which includes examining, collecting, and analyzing biological fluids, contact DNA, and other biological evidence collected from crime scenes.
• Be experienced in using a wide variety of equipment and instrumentation including alternate light sources, centrifuges, microscopes, DNA extraction robots, liquid handlers, thermal cyclers, and genetic analyzers.
Have courtroom testimony experience.

Additional emphasis will be placed upon the following professional and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated project management proficiency, effective planning, organizing, and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter, motivated and capable of demonstrating measurable work results in a timely manner.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge/experience in PCR DNA STR Systems.
• Knowledge/experience in probabilistic genotyping.
• Ability to persuasively communicate ideas and goals and effectively motivate others to achieve those goals.
• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Understanding of current forensic technology and experience in the collection and analysis of biological fluids and other physical evidence collected at crime scenes.

There is currently one vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Criminalist I or Criminalist II level.

NOTE: A 2.5% pay differential is also given for IAI Crime Scene Certification and an additional 5.0% for the ABC, ABT, AFTE or IAI Latent Print Certification. The maximum allowable certification differential is 7.5%. The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, limited term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Examine and identify biological fluids such as blood, saliva, and semen.
• Perform microscopic examinations to identify biological cells.
• Perform DNA extractions.
• Perform quantitation of DNA extractions.
• Perform PCR amplifications.
• Analyze and interpret DNA typing results (including simple and complex mixtures).
• Prepare evidence for presentation at court and testify as an expert witness on the results of laboratory analysis.
• Engage in crime scene examination of major crime scenes; identify, document, and collect physical evidence.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to major crime scenes; approximately a one-week duration every eight weeks.
• Take photographs.
• Participate in public relations activities such as conducting tours of the Laboratory and speaking to various interested groups.
• Care for and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Perform related duties as assigned.

For more information on the this job posting including qualification requirements and informaiton on the application process, please see the County of San Mateo's job posting for Criminalist I/II - Forensic Biology/DNA (Open and Promotional).

DNA Technical Lead Criminalist

Position Information

Examination:

Appraisal (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position. Appraisal can be based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of the application. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.  Should an oral exam be necessary, the oral exam will be weighted 100%. 

Minimum Qualifications:

A Masters or other graduate degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or a forensic science related area and successful completion of a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours of combined undergraduate and graduate course work in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, statistics and/or population genetics.
AND
Three years of professional forensic DNA laboratory experience which has included the identification and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters. Experience testifying as an expert witness in courts of law is desirable.  Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must meet the standards for Technical Leader as established in “The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories”, Section 5.2 or have a degree waiver from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors or other organizations designated by the F.B.I. Successful completion of a documented training program in forensic DNA analysis and the forensic identification of biological substances and/or demonstration of competency is required.

Applicants must be able to pass a background investigation and shall not have been convicted of a felony in any state, or any federal jurisdiction nor of any offense which would have been a felony if committed in this state.

Applicants must submit all applicable diploma(s), transcripts, license(s) and/or certificate(s) with their application by the final filing deadline. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may e-mail a copy to hernandezmic@kerncounty.com.

See the following link for the full job description and to apply for: DNA Technical Lead Criminalist.