FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Date: Jan 13, 2025

Req ID: 46175

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: STATE CRIME LABORATORY

Anticipated Starting Salary: 45010

Position Number: 22090703
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 01/27/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: 45010

The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.

This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.

If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.

The Forensic DNA analyst is an employee or contract employee of the laboratory responsible for

performing DNA analysis and specifically delegated QA responsibilities from the Casework

Supervisor. The analyst shall meet the following qualifications:

EDUCATION

The analyst shall have at a minimum a bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a

biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area and shall have successfully completed

coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry,

genetics, and molecular biology.

Any analyst hired/appointed/promoted prior to July 1, 2020, shall have coursework and/or

training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.

Any analyst hired/appointed/promoted on or after July 1, 2020, shall have successfully

completed coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics.

APPOINTMENTS POST-JULY 1, 2009

Analysts appointed or hired on or after July 1, 2009 shall have a minimum of nine cumulative

semester hours or equivalent that cover the required subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and

molecular biology.

ALTERNATE COMPLIANCE

Analysts who have completed coursework with titles other than those listed above shall demonstrate compliance with this standard through a combination of pertinent materials, such as a syllabus, letter from the instructor, or other document that supports the course content.

The technical leader shall approve compliance with this standard.

EXPERIENCE

The analyst shall have no less than six months of forensic human DNA laboratory experience. If

prior forensic human DNA laboratory experience is accepted by a laboratory, the prior experience

shall be documented and augmented by additional training, as needed. The technical leader shall

approve the extent of the prior experience.

Analyst training entails the analysis of a range of samples routinely encountered in forensic

casework prior to independent work using DNA technology. Additionally, the analyst shall

successfully complete a competency test and proficiency test before beginning independent DNA

analysis.

The analyst shall successfully complete the required training.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Forensic DNA Analyst is responsible for any assigned tasks in the operations of the Forensic

DNA Section.

Implementing the QA program.
Handling reagents.
Establishing liaisons with colleagues in the field.
Analyzing, interpreting and reporting casework.
Providing expert testimony.
Interacting with investigative personnel.
Executing all duties of QA Manager, if so designated.
Assisting in training new employees.
Stay abreast of developments within the field of DNA typing by reading current scientific or

DNA applicable literature, attending seminars, courses or professional meetings.

All other duties as assigned.

Position Information

Class Code: B053C

Grade: GS08

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $45,010.00 - $71,792.00

Summary

The Forensic Scientist is responsible for the examination of evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel. After the examination has been completed, the results must be interpreted and a report prepared. Also, the analyst must be prepared to testify as an expert witness to their findings. This position is governed by state and federal laws agency/institution policy.

Functions

Designs and conducts a series of analytical tests, including chemistry (Controlled Substances, Trace Evidence and Toxicology), biology (DNA, CODIS, and Serology), digital evidence analysis, latent print analysis, and firearms/toolmarks analysis on evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel. Documents evidence and prepares detailed reports of findings detailing analytical methods and techniques used to support conclusions for submission to legal authorities and courts of law. Testifies in court as an expert witness on the analysis of evidence and conclusions reached. Researches scientific literature and exchanges information with peers to stay current with latest scientific advances in the analysis of criminal evidence. Participates in the laboratory's proficiency testing program. Provides training, technical support, and consultation to the law enforcement officers/agencies, attorneys, and other public officials and citizens of the state. Conducts crime scene investigations, as requested by law enforcement agencies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic analysis, and of forensic analytical methods and techniques. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and agency policies governing forensic activities. Knowledge of laboratory equipment used to perform forensic analysis. Ability to plan and organize forensic analysis. Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and appear as an expert witness in court. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates. Ability to conduct research, establish new analytical procedures, and prepare and present training on the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in a natural science; plus three years of experience in a forensic laboratory. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.