Forensic Biology Examiner

Salary : $72,788.04 - $92,500.00 Annually
Location : Charleston, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202101150
Department: Police
Division: Police - Nonsworn
Opening Date: 12/08/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Summary
The City of Charleston is looking for a Forensic Biology Examiner to join its Police Department! 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 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation and the FBI's Quality Assurance Standard.

The City of Charleston offers an extensive benefits package for full-time employees, including: health, dental and vision insurance; employer-paid short and long term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program; annual and sick leave; 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday every year; tuition reimbursement; participation with the SC Retirement System, a defined benefit pension plan; 401k and 457 plan options; and many other benefits. For more information, please visit
Part-time employees are eligible to join the SC Retirement System and may be eligible for certain benefits programs depending on the total number of hours worked.