Research Associate, Life Sciences Jobs in Virginia

Title: Assistant Program Manager - Forensic Biology - Division of Technical Services - CF701 (Agency Only)

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist III

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

The primary duty station for this position is expected to be the Central Laboratory. However, for up to one year, another regional laboratory may serve as the temporary primary duty station, with regular travel to the Central Laboratory required.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified Assistant Program Manager within the Forensic Biology Program of the Division of Technical Services (DTS). This position plays a critical role in supporting the Forensic Biology Program Manager to ensure laboratory operations maintain compliance with accreditation standards and act as a technical resource to the Forensic Biology staff statewide. This position also serves as Supervisor of the State CODIS Administrator.

In addition, this position will independently perform comprehensive scientific analyses on a wide range of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies, utilizing state-of-the-art knowledge of methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation for forensic biology sample analysis. This position also interprets results, prepares detailed reports for use by the criminal justice system, develops court exhibits, and testifies in court as an expert witness. Occasional overnight travel will be required, and the employee will be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area
• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling at least nine credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis as well as coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics
• Forensic human DNA laboratory experience commensurate with authorized responsibilities
• Successful completion of a documented forensic biology training program and demonstration of competency
• Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze forensic biology samples
• Comprehensive understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the FBI Quality Assurance Standards, and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Certification as a U.S. DOJ/FBI Quality Assurance Standards Auditor
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• Strong written and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, set priorities and work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze and interpret data, and develop conclusions
• Willingness and ability to foster and mentor staff and promote a positive teamwork environment
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Experience in forensic related teaching/training
• Experience supervising and/or leading technical staff
• Qualification as a Forensic ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125 Technical Assessor
• Experience conducting audits and/or assessments
• Experience conducting validation studies, validation design, and/or review
• Experience with quality system operations to include competence in navigating Ideagen Quality Management (Qualtrax) Software

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applications must be submitted electronically through this website by 11:55 p.m. on the position’s closing date. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, résumé, and any required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants who need accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni.

DFS does not provide sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment without the need for employer sponsorship or a STEM extension.

Background Investigation: Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current supervisor.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.