You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

ISP Forensic Scientist 2

Idaho State Police
Email

This announcement is being used to fill a Biology/DNA Casework Forensic Scientist 2 (FS2) position. Candidates from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future openings. The Forensic Scientist 2 (FS2) is an experienced scientist level position with ISP Forensic Services. An experienced scientist who meets the minimum qualifications and *qualifying work experience of the FS2 must successfully complete a qualifying examination 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 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. 

You must attach 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
  • All duties of the Forensic Scientist 1  
  • Conduct complex examinations of evidence and/or individual characteristic database samples  
  • 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. If approved for crime scene or clandestine laboratory response must complete the specialized training program associated with approval to respond
Training
  • Complete any required training on new techniques or instrumentation  
  • Train Forensic Scientists 1 in the utilization of analytical techniques and methods of scientific analyses utilized in the specific discipline  
  • Train police officers in collection and packaging of evidence  
  • Provide background information training for police officers, attorneys, and general public
Communication/courtroom testimony
  • All duties of the Forensic Scientist 1  
  • Interpret findings for prosecutors and defense attorneys  
  • Prepare attorneys for presentation of expert's findings  
  • Testify as an expert witness in trials and other criminal hearings  
  • Qualified to offer opinions and answer hypothetical questions  
  • Train police officers in collection and packaging of evidence; provide background information training for police officers, attorneys, medical personnel and general public as assigned
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 and evaluates potential matches. (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:

Education:
  • A Forensic Scientist 2 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 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)  
Experience:
  • Two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the specified discipline. Qualifying work experience includes:
  • Working independently, planning, managing, and prioritizing caseloads or individual characteristic database samples (as applicable), successfully engaging in independent research, evaluation, and validation activities
  • Performing and documenting a range of examinations regarding forensic evidence
  • Providing training and consultation services to professional criminal justice and scientific audiences
  • Testifying as an expert regarding the forensic examinations performed in the specified discipline
  • Must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience performing forensic biology screening and/or DNA casework  
  • 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
Please see the online posting for complete information.