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Idaho State Police Forensic Scientist 1

Idaho State Police
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This Forensic Scientist 1 announcement is being used to underfill a Forensic Scientist 2 (FS2) Biology/DNA Casework discipline position. 

Candidates from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future openings. The Forensic Scientist 1 (FS1) is an entry-level position, which will work under the direct supervision of a more experienced Forensic Scientist. The incumbent will be certified as an FS2 upon successful completion of a specified training program and two (2) years experience in the FS1 position (or) demonstration of meeting the minimum qualifications and qualifying work experience of an FS2 position and a six-month probationary period of 1,040 hours. Pay will be adjusted accordingly at the time the incumbent is certified as a FS2.

Candidate will be required to obtain specialty certification by the American Board of Criminalistics in Molecular Biology within three (3) years of being selected for or promoted to a Forensic Scientist 2 position.  

All Idaho State Police Forensic Laboratories are accredited to the ISO 17025 Standard. State police Forensic Laboratories serve state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies; state and county prosecutors; and public defenders. 

Note: Preference will be given to experienced forensic scientists who meet the minimum qualifications and qualifying work experience of the Forensic Scientist (DNA) FS2. A candidate meeting at the higher level could be certified to a FS2 position upon completion of a qualifying examination and approved by ISP. 

You must attach a copy of your official transcripts to this application by the closing date. Applications without the supporting transcripts will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: The successful applicant will be required to complete a background investigation and polygraph examination, which includes drug screening. Please review the ISP Drug Policy and ISP Grooming and Appearance Standards. 

Learn more about a career of a lifetime with the Idaho State Police at http://www.isp.idaho.gov/ and how the State of Idaho can be your forever home at http://www.visitidaho.org/.     

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
Scientific Analyses 
  • Employ various methods of scientific analysis to make determinations regarding samples submitted as evidence in criminal cases or for individual characteristic database entry  
  • Assume responsibility for and maintain the integrity of evidence  
  • Interpret scientific data and ensure validity  
  • Author and issue laboratory reports  
  • Perform technical review and/or technical verification or others work  
  • Maintain established standards of laboratory cleanliness, safety, and efficiency 
  • Perform routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment  
  • Maintain specific levels of proficiency and certification in assigned discipline(s)
  • Demonstrate proficiency through routine proficiency testing  
  • May optionally respond to crime scenes, clandestine laboratories, and autopsies to provide assistance, knowledge and expertise, this may include assistance with recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence/samples for analysis. If approved for crime scene or clandestine laboratory response must complete the specialized training program associated with approval to respond.
Training
  • Work closely with advanced forensic scientists to complete the discipline specific specialized training program  
  • Acquire new skills and improve techniques, perform scientific analysis per the current laboratory protocol, gain greater knowledge of scientific instrumentation
Communication/courtroom testimony
  • Provide detailed explanations/testimony regarding the methods of analysis performed and communicate and support the results of analysis  
  • Demonstrate concepts and teach cutting-edge technology in courtroom settings  
  • Educate officers, attorneys, and investigators  
  • Instruct in the proper techniques and procedures used to collect, maintain, and submit evidence

  • Administrative Duties
  • Respond to supervisors, technical leaders and headquarters staff for review and planning of programs, policies, manuals, and quality audits  
  • Provide statistical information  
  • Create goals, objectives, and employee development plan
Biology/DNA Casework
  • Performs biological screening and DNA analyses on forensic samples  
  • Performs mixture interpretation and uses mixture interpretation software  
  • Interprets DNA profiles and makes comparisons of DNA profiles  
  • Authors reports on forensic biology screening and forensic DNA analysis  
  • Performs technical review of screening and DNA reports  
  • Testifies in court about forensic biology screening and DNA analysis  
  • Imports casework samples into CODIS (COmbined DNA Index System) and evaluates potential matches. CODIS the software used to operate local, state and national DNA database enabling laboratories to provide additional investigative leads. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:A Forensic Scientist 1 must hold a baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degree in a physical or biological science from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.          
  • Acceptable institutions are those accredited by or those which have pertinent educational programs accredited by commissions or agencies recognized by the U.S. Office of Education    
  • The education of each employee shall be verified prior to being hired by Forensic Services    
  • A copy of the college transcript (including specific required coursework) and proof of graduation for all personnel with education requirements listed in the Minimum Qualification (MQ) Specialties section must be provided to ISPFS. Successful completion of a course means a college or university defined passing grade  
  • Degree must be in a biology or chemistry related science. Must have successfully completed a minimum of seventeen (17) semester (or 26 quarter) units of chemistry or biology related college level coursework. Coursework must include at least one course each in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and statistics or population genetics totaling 12 semesters (or 14 quarter) units
  • When performing DNA analysis and where applicable, analysts shall meet the educational requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories (coursework hours as required/stipulated by the current ISPFS Quality Manual and current applicable Quality Assurance Standard)
Extra Credit:
  • B.S or Graduate degree in biological science
  • Qualifying work experience in forensic DNA casework or DNA database
  • Certification with the American Board of Criminalistics
  • Member of related professional forensic science organization(s)
  • Experience performing audits under the FBI's DNA quality assurance standards and/or ISO 17025 standards
  • Experience using automation as it applies to the analysis of DNA samples in a forensic laboratory
  • Experience using CODIS as an analyst or administrator and knowledge of the NDIS operational procedures as applied to DNA eligibility requirements
  • Experience using probabilistic genotyping software

NOTE: the successful candidate is required to obtain certification by the American Board of Criminalistics within three (3) years of being selected/promoted for the position of Forensic Scientist 2 (if not currently certified).

Please see the online job posting for complete information