Forensic Laboratory Specialist VI

Title: Forensic Laboratory Specialist VI

Hiring Range: $50,811

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This is a re-advertisement, previous applicants will need to re-apply to be considered.

This is a grant funded position, and is funded through August 31, 2023. It is anticipated that the grant will be renewed.

The Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified applicant to work full-time in the Division of Technical Services Chemistry Research Section. Duties include performing method development and validation experiments under the direction of the Chemistry Research Section Supervisor for the Toxicology discipline. The employee will also perform routine laboratory housekeeping duties, to include ordering and maintaining supply inventories, routine instrument maintenance, and evaluation of analytical data.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other related science area
• Working experience in a scientific laboratory using basic laboratory equipment, techniques, and laboratory safety procedures
• Experience in the use of gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, or mass spectrometry
• Experience handling biological samples
• Ability to accurately record and maintain records, follow written protocols and oral instructions, establish work priorities, and independently perform routine duties
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Must be eligible to possess a valid driver’s license or have other means of reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in biology, chemistry, or other related science area
• Employment experience in an accredited forensic science laboratory
• Working experience with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry or time-of-flight mass spectrometry
• Working experience with automated liquid handling instrumentation for the extraction of biological matrices in toxicology
• Experience with method development and validation of analytical instrumentation
• Experience with computers in a laboratory environment including proficiency with Microsoft Excel

Special Instructions: 

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

Background Investigation:
Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification:
DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicant must be legally authorized to work at the time of employment.

Contact Information:

Name: Tracey Kazelskis

Phone: 804-588-4000

Email: tracey.kazelskis@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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.