Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Toxicology - Eastern Laboratory - CF645
State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II
Hiring Range: $59,851 - $105,134
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Department of Forensic Science
Location: Eastern Lab
Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
This vacancy posting may fill two (2) positions in the Eastern Laboratory located in Norfolk, VA.
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform toxicology analyses at the Eastern Laboratory located in Norfolk, VA. The successful candidate will independently perform chemical analyses of human fluids and tissues in death and criminal investigations using chemical and instrumental methodologies, prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use in the criminal justice system, and provide court testimony on analytical results. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required.
To be considered as a qualified Forensic Scientist, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in human biological samples. Candidates who are considered qualified Forensic Scientists will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.
The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with coursework in general, organic and analytical chemistry
• Work experience handling human biological samples.
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in human biological samples
• Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples.
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID and GC/NPD)
• Ability to work independently, set priorities and work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze, interpret data and develop conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and defend scientific findings in court.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Valid driver's license and/or other means of reliable transportation
Additional Considerations
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• 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 using advanced laboratory equipment/instrumentation such as LC/MS/MS, LC-QTOF-MS
• Certification by a national forensic toxicology certification board, such as, American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training
Trainee:
If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $50,531 The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training may last up to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.
A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, and time management skills.
Trainee Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation.
Trainee Additional Considerations:
• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
• Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment, techniques, laboratory safety, and QA/QC procedures.
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.
Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served. A probationary period of 12 months will be required.
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 and previous supervisors.
Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.
Contact Information
Name: Amanda Greene
Phone: 804-588-4163
Email: amanda.greene@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.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
