Forensic Scientist - Quality Assurance - Division of Technical Services - CF216 (Agency Only)

Title: Forensic Scientist - Quality Assurance - Division of Technical Services - CF216 (Agency Only)

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

This position is only open to employees already employed with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

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

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Forensic Scientist in the Division of Technical Services (DTS) Quality Assurance Section. Duties of this position include assisting in the implementation and coordination of laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, monitoring the agency’s four testing and one calibration laboratories for compliance with the requirements of accreditation, and facilitating expedient and consistent processing of quality inquiries and corrective actions. In addition, this position will acquire, generate and/or maintain accurate and complete quality program documents/records for operational functions such as corrective actions, management review, equipment calibration, and quality system assessments and audits. This position will identify technical, and quality system concerns within the agency’s laboratories and report them to the Quality Assurance Section Supervisor and/or Director of Technical Services, serve as an Administrator for Ideagen (formerly Qualtrax), and develop and monitor workflows, tests, and training. This position will also serve as the Agency’s alternate document custodian; assist in maintaining the Traceability and Uncertainty of Measurement reporting programs in coordination with the applicable Program Managers; and assist with troubleshooting technical and quality performance issues related to casework, instrumentation and laboratory processes. This position requires occasional overnight travel, and employee will provide own transportation if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural science, forensic science, or closely related field
• 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 a relevant forensic science discipline
• Qualified to issue test reports and/or calibration certificates
• Experience and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Basic knowledge of statistics
• Familiarity with Ideagen Quality Management Essentials
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications, to include Word, Excel, Access, Teams, Sharepoint and Outlook
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, solve technical problems, manage multiple tasks, establish work priorities, and work independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• 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
• QA/QC experience in an accredited forensic science laboratory
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training
• Certified Auditor/Assessor

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.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits 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. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new 12-month probationary period be served.

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.