Back to Jobs
State of Alaska

Forensic Scientist DNA 12 (12-4414) at State of Alaska

State of Alaska Anchorage, AK

Job Description

Job DescriptionThe recruitment is exempt from the hiring freeze (Administrative Order 358).This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants mustmeetAlaska Residency Requirements in order to be considered for employment at this time.WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:Forensic Scientist 1 is the first training level in the series whereby incumbents develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform basic analysis on DNA physical evidence submitted to the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory. The incumbent completes a training program designed to provide comprehensive instruction in the scientific analysis of physical evidence samples before being assigned independent work.A Forensic Scientist 2 is required to maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the processing of Sexual Assault Kit evidence to generate DNA profiles. Working independently on routine cases the incumbent will identify and test stains for the presence of blood and semen collect and retain stains and potential trace evidence and perform analytical techniques to generate DNA profiles.OUR ORGANIZATION MISSION AND CULTURE:We provide scientific support to the criminal justice system to help create a safer Alaska. All of our work is justifiable and transparent. We strive to be understandable or provide guidance where not understood. We work to standardized procedures within a robust quality assurance system. We are accountable to our stakeholders and the State of Alaska. We work diligently reliably and with the utmost integrity. This position will contribute to the mission of the laboratory by performing forensic casework outreach and training to support the criminal justice system and the peoples of Alaska.THE BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM:The Forensic staff are a group of high-level thinkers engaged in continual innovative advancement aimed to improve the services provided to the Alaskan justice system. We value an inclusive culture of transparency and freedom to express all ideas continuous growth and wellness.THE WORKING CONDITIONS YOU CAN EXPECT:Primary location at the State Crime Lab in Anchorage. This position will involve laboratory and office work while interacting closely with management and other staff in the completion of forensic case work in the Forensic Biology Discipline Section of the laboratory.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:Forensic Scientist 1 (casework) is the first training level in the series whereby incumbents develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform basic analysis on DNA physical evidence submitted to the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory. Working knowledge of biology genetics chemistry and probability and statistical methods and some knowledge of forensic analysis and standard laboratory testing and principles practices and techniques. The ability to speak and write clearly and effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals. As well as knowledge of the proper physical evidence collection and documentation techniques and methods.The Department of Public Safety strives to preserve the peace enforce the law prevent and detect crime and protect life and property. All positions support or carry out the Departments mission. If our mission interests you and this position embodies your strengths please consider joining our team.More information about the Department of Public Safety can be found on our website: QualificationsFORENSIC SCIENTIST - DNA 1:Bachelors degree from an accredited college in a biology- chemistry- or forensic science-related course of study which includes the following three courses (9 semester/12 quarter lecture and/or laboratory hours): biochemistry genetics and molecular biology in addition to coursework in statistics or population genetics. Other closely related courses may qualify.FORENSIC SCIENTIST - DNA 2:Bachelors degree from an accredited college in a biology- chemistry- or forensic science-related course of study which includes the following three courses (9 semester/12 quarter lecture and/or laboratory hours): biochemistry genetics and molecular biology in addition to coursework in statistics or population genetics. Other closely related courses may qualify.AndCoursework in statistics as it relates to DNA analysis.AndThe successful completion of the State of Alaska flexible staffing plan for the DNA discipline.AndOne year of experience as a Forensic Scientist 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.The experience and flex plan may be earned concurrently.OR SUBSTITUTION:One additional year of Forensic Scientist 1 experience in the DNA discipline will substitute for the flex plan training.Special Note:Other closely related courses should contain the following integral components:Biochemistry: structure function and interaction of biological macromolecules such as proteins carbohydrates lipids and nucleic acids enzymes and chemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions DNA RNA and protein synthesis signal transduction metabolism and/or cell membrane transport.Genetics: laws and patterns of inheritance basic structure and function of genes and chromosomes mutation mitosis/Meiosis recombination and/or gene expression.Molecular Biology: prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome structure and function interrelationship of DNA RNA and protein synthesis transcription translation replication gene expression and regulation recombinant DNA techniques PCR and/or DNA sequencing.Population Genetics: estimation and testing of measures of allelic association within and between loci (Hardy-Weinberg principle); Description and estimation of measures of relatedness at the individual and population level (population structure); genetic drift mutation and/or migration and selection.Statistics: descriptive statistics sampling uncertainty and sampling distributions confidence limits and intervals discrete and continuous variables estimation and hypothesis testing to include the use of likelihoods laws of probability and independence and/or Bayes Theorem.Employees will be expected to successfully pass multiple proficiency/competency tests annually.Appointments to positions in the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory are subject to background requirements per ASCLD/LAB and the Department of Public Safety.Additional Required InformationCOVER LETTERA cover letter is NOT required for this position.Your complete application will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.AT TIME OF INTERVIEW:3 professional referencesSPECIAL NOTE:Testifying as an expert witness in a court of law.Requires passing a department and FBI background check. FLEXIBLY STAFFED- Combined posting (I/II)This position is flexibly staffed. This vacancy may be filled at either the 1 or 2 level depending on the applicants training and/or experience. The full range of salaries is listed above. Starting salary will be determined by the level the position is hired at. If filled at level 1 promotion to level 2 will occur upon successful completion of the probationary period and required training as well as the applicant meeting the minimum qualifications of the higher job class.FIREARMSThis position requires the use or possession of a firearm or accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208) if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence you may not hold this position.A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has as an element the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon committed by a current or former spouse parent or guardian of the victim by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse parent or guardian or by a person similarly situated to a spouse parent or guardian of the victim.BACKGROUND CHECKThis position requires the incumbent to submit to a fingerprint based criminal history background check. Due to the sensitive nature of this position and required access to APSIN an applicant with criminal convictions will not move forward in the selection process.CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTThe successful candidate will be required to read understand and agree to via signature an agreement of confidentiality concerning the work commonly encountered within the Department of Public Safety to qualify for this position.EDUCATIONTo verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not transcripts will be required before employment.SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATIONEducation completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.WORK EXPERIENCEApplications will be reviewed to determine if minimum qualifications are met. Therefore all work experiences the applicant is using to meet minimum qualifications for this position must be documented in the application package. Please include the employers name your job title dates of employment and whether the employment was full or part-time. Applicants who submit packages that do not provide sufficient information to demonstrate minimum qualifications are met may not advance in the selection process.NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative tofilling out the application in its entirety. Noting see resume or CV or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.MULTIPLE VACANCIESThis recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.EEO STATEMENTThe State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation auxiliary aides or services or alternative communication formats please call 1- or in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1- or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201 Juneau AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.NOTICEIf you choose to be contacted by email please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the domains. For information on allowing emails from the domains visit the Lost Password Help page located at ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCEQuestions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1- (toll free) or if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed toContact InformationFor specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:Kyle KlopferAdministrative Assistant 3Phone: Key Skills Laboratory Experience,Immunoassays,Machine Learning,Biochemistry,Assays,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Research & Development,cGMP,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Data Analysis Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Hourly Salary Salary: 35 - 40

Resume Suggestions

Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements to demonstrate your qualifications.

Quantify your achievements with specific metrics and results whenever possible to show impact.

Emphasize your proficiency in relevant technologies and tools mentioned in the job description.

Showcase your communication and collaboration skills through examples of successful projects and teamwork.

Explore More Opportunities