Forensic Science Examiner 1 (40 Hour)

Do you have a passion for Forensic Science?

We invite you to discover this outstanding opportunity to work in our DNA Unit!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is recruiting to fill a Forensic Science Examiner 1 position located in the DNA Unit within the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden, CT.  The DNA Unit is comprised of three sub-units. They are the Nuclear, Database, and Mitochondrial DNA Units.

• The DNA Nuclear Unit’s enters DNA profiles generated from evidentiary samples into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) to generate matches (hits) to convicted offender DNA profiles as well as DNA profiles from other criminal cases.
• The DNA Database Unit’s primary purpose is to process convicted offender samples and upload the DNA profiles generated from these samples into CODIS.
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is evaluated or analyzed when nuclear DNA analysis is not feasible.

DNA requests are constantly being processed at the Forensic Science Laboratory and prosecutors and other Law Enforcement investigative agencies throughout the state depend on a rapid turnaround time for DNA cases.  The Forensic Science Examiner 1 (FSE 1) would be responsible for examining evidence collected in various crime scenes, providing explanations and interpretation of results. 

The ideal candidate for this position must be detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.   Due to accreditation requirements concerning proper submission of evidence, strict adherence in following evidence packaging guidelines is necessary in order to protect evidence from being lost or contaminated.  The FSE 1 may have to testify in court as an expert witness and may assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel and perform related duties as required.

This is a full time, 40 hours per week position, Monday - Friday schedule.  A competitive benefits package is offered which includes healthcare coverage, wellness programs and paid time off.

Please take a moment to view our video below to see the impact a Forensic Science Examiner has on making a difference in people's lives and helping to make Connecticut a safer place to live.

Candidate selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees:

• Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
• Cover letter 
• Completed CT-HR-13 

Non-State Employees:

• Two (2) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor
• Cover Letter
• Completed CT-HR-13  

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks.  Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.  

Click here CT-HR-13 to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum.  The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website http://portal.ct.gov/das by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.  Also considered in this selection process:  Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records.  Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process.

This posting will fill the immediate vacancy listed above but may be used to fill future positions for this job class.  We encourage you to apply to any jobs for which you qualify for and are of interest to you.

Should you have questions pertaining to the recruitment, please contact Felicia Emanuel at Felicia.Emanuel@ct.gov or 860-685-8200.

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services, this class is accountable for receiving, examining and conducting complex analyses of physical evidence resulting from all manners of criminal actions.

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) SECTION: Incumbents are responsible for performing complex analysis of forensic biology evidence such as nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Examines submitted evidence and completes a written description; photographs evidence; removes trace materials from evidence for analysis in areas of criminalistics and identification; conducts complex criminalistic forensic analysis of evidence utilizing conventional wet chemistry methodologies and/or technical instrumentation relating to gas chromatography, ultra/violet spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, emission spectrography, liquid thin layer and column chromatography, electophoresis, scanning electron microscopy; polarized light microscopy, alternate light sources, photographic equipment and computer technology; assists in reconstruction of crime scene; conducts forensic identification in areas of documents, firearms and latent fingerprints; maintains instrumentation and equipment and safeguards laboratory physical evidence; participates in research programs; conducts on scene collection and preservation of evidence; handles materials and samples before and after analysis in order to maintain them for safekeeping; prepares comprehensive reports; provides explanations and interpretations of results; testifies in court as an expert witness; may assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of modern methods utilized in crime scene processing and evidence identification; knowledge of applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials; knowledge of physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and reconstruction techniques; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to conduct laboratory analysis; ability to utilize computer software; ability to act as an expert witness in a court of law; ability to utilize computer software.

Six (6) years of experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material.

1. College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience required on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. A Ph.D in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
4. Successful completion of the Connecticut Careers Trainee program in forensic analysis may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Experience with general DNA techniques (e.g., extraction, quantitation, amplification and capillary electrophoresis injection)
• Experience with data analysis, interpretation and report writing/testimony as it pertains to forensic DNA testing
• Ability to operate analytical equipment (e.g., extraction robotics, genetic analyzers, thermal cyclers)
• Ability to safely and effectively handle potentially infectious, hazardous, and/or foul-smelling materials

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for permanent appointment.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.