St. Louis County Police Department
Crime Laboratory
7900 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton, MO 63105
Position Posting
FORENSIC SCIENTIST – BIOLOGY/DNA
Duty Hours: 8:00AM - 4:30PM, Monday – Friday, with flexibility to meet department needs. Full-Time Position
Salary Range: $45,399.60 -$72,639.36 annually; $21.83 -$34.92 hourly
For St. Louis County Police Department career information or to complete an application, please go to:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis?keywords=Police
If you have specific questions or need further information, please call or email Biology/DNA Supervisor Margaret Walsh 314-615-3802/ or DNA Technical Leader Kyra Groeblinghoff 314-615-3803/
Definition: An employee in this job class is responsible for performing professional scientific work of marked difficulty analyzing a wide variety of physical crime scene evidence to assist law enforcement officials in the investigation of crimes. Work is performed under the direction of the section supervisor and/or DNA Technical Leader. Work requires a high level of concentration and includes exposure to body fluids, toxic chemicals and noxious odors. Work is reviewed by observation of procedures performed and through written reports on test results.
Examples of Duties:
· Performs analytical tests and examinations on a wide variety of crime evidence materials which may include clothing, physiological fluids, swabs and sexual assault kits. This may include screening biological evidence and/or conducting DNA analysis.
· Operates laboratory instruments which may include microscopes, balances, centrifuges, crime-lights, genetic analyzers, thermo-cyclers, DNA extraction robots, and computers, etc.
· Prepares and maintains accurate records and laboratory notes.
· Ensures that all work product conforms to accreditation standards, policies and procedures.
· Interprets laboratory test findings, prepares written reports indicating tests performed and test results; explaining test procedures and answering questions posed by law enforcement officials, prosecuting and defense attorneys.
· Perform technical reviews of casework by other analysts to ensure objective and accurate analysis, opinions and conclusions.
· Assist in the training of other forensic scientists and provide instruction to law enforcement agencies in the collection and preservation of evidence.
· Prepares solutions, buffers and reagents by using balances, pH meters and laboratory glassware.
· Provide expert testimony in court stating laboratory test results, explaining the meaning of test results, explaining test procedures and answering questions posed by prosecuting and defense attorneys.
· Logs crime scene evidence in and out of crime laboratory; assists with the destruction of evidence as directed by court order.
· Remains current in the field of forensic science by reviewing scientific journals, attending seminars, conferences and training by professional organizations.
· Successfully conduct and complete one or two proficiency tests as required annually in each discipline/sub-discipline of expertise.
· Performs general housekeeping duties and other related tasks as required by the unit to maintain cleanliness of the laboratory and to prevent contamination of equipment/instrumentation.
· Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Knowledge of crime laboratory methods, techniques, equipment and materials.
· Knowledge of the principles and practices of the biological sciences.
· Skill in operating laboratory equipment.
· Skill in performing tests and analyses of variety of substances and materials according to generally prescribed procedures.
· Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement officials, attorneys, medical examiners and the public.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Baccalaureate or an advanced degree in biology, chemistry or a forensic science related area of study (Biological Sciences degree preferred). College coursework must include nine or more semesters or equivalent hours with a grade of “C” or better, for the following courses: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology. College coursework or training that covers the subject areas of statistics and/or population genetics is required.
NOTE: Statistics/Population Genetics, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology must be the primary component of the classes or courses; coursework completed with titles other than those listed may demonstrate compliance through a letter from a university professor verifying course content or a course syllabus. Statistics/population genetics training or coursework may be satisfied through internal or external mechanisms.
Special Requirements:
· Subject to handling firearms, broken glass, syringes, odoriferous materials, blood, urine and other bodily fluids that may come from diseased persons or clothing that may be infected with hazardous biological materials. May be required to work with caustic and flammable fluids or be exposed to toxic, carcinogenic or otherwise hazardous substances. Must follow proper safety precautions and practices.
· Based on the needs of the Laboratory, the individual may work solely screening biological evidence or solely conducting DNA analysis or conducting both biology screening and DNA analysis on submitted evidence items.
· There is a two year probationary period for newly appointed Forensic Scientists. Employee must satisfactorily complete all required training and competency testing and is subject to dismissal for failing to complete probation.
· Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate the Mobile Crime Laboratory vehicle or other Department vehicles.
· May require call back to duty assignments.
· Ability to activate and deactivate the Police Crime Laboratory security system.
· Perform other duties as required.