Forensic Scientist II, III, IV - Biologist

Pay Range: $68,981 - $95,000 annual compensation

***$5,000 Sign-On Incentive***

Job Posting Closing on:  Friday, November 8, 2024

Benefits for this position include: 11 Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, Professional Development Opportunities, and much more.

The City of Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing large cities in the U.S. Our employees serve the needs of nearly 1,000,000 residents, promoting our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.

A Forensic Scientist II, II, IV - Biologist job is available with the City of Fort Worth Police department in the Biology Unit. The candidate must have a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area with successfully completed coursework (undergraduate or graduate level) in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.  The scientist shall have a minimum of 9 semester hours (or the equivalent) that cover the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. The candidate will be hired as a Forensic Scientist II or III, based on education, experience, and training in serology, DNA testing, report writing, and technical review.

This position qualifies for the following incentives which is separate from the base pay:
            Sign-On Incentive of: $5,000 ***50% paid after the completion of first pay period, 50% paid after the completion of 6 months of employment. ***

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist II - Biologist:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area with successfully completed coursework (undergraduate or graduate level) in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.  The scientist shall have a minimum of 9 semester hours (or the equivalent) that cover the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. 
  • An unofficial transcript illustrating the required college course credits must be submitted at the time of application. If selected for the position candidate must submit an official transcript.
• Ability to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within six (6) months from hire date.
• Provide a buccal DNA sample after hire date.
• Must obtain a Texas Forensic Analyst License within one (1) year of hire date.
• Ability to comply with all Texas Forensic Science Commission requirements
• Three (3) years of relevant independent forensic biology/DNA casework experience as a qualified Forensic Scientist I (or equivalent).

Additional Qualifications for Forensic Scientist III - Biologist:

• At least five (5) years of more complex independent forensic biology/DNA casework experience as a qualified Forensic Scientist II (or equivalent).

Additional Qualifications for Forensic Scientist IV - Biologist:

•  At least seven (7) years of highly complex independent discipline-specific casework experience as a qualified Forensic Biologist/ Forensic Scientist. 

The Forensic Scientist II - Biologist job responsibilities include:

• Examines evidence for the presence of biological material and, when necessary, collects trace material.
• Performs serological and DNA testing.
• Interprets single-source DNA typing results to include making comparisons to known profiles, making determinations about the inclusion or exclusion of contributors and making determinations about profiles to be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
• Utilizes statistical databases to make determinations about the frequency of occurrence of profiles developed in the laboratory.
• Performs serology technical reviews.
• Complies with the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

The Forensic Scientist III - Biologist job responsibilities include:

• Examines more complex evidence for the presence of biological material and, when necessary, collects trace material.
• Performs serological and DNA testing.
• Interprets both single-source and DNA mixtures.
• Performs technical reviews on non-mixture DNA cases.
• Performs additional Unit responsibilities such as maintaining inventory, ordering supplies, calibrations, outsourcing, etc.
• Determines suitability for entry into CODIS and complies with the FBI Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

The Forensic Scientist IV- Biologist job responsibilities include:

• Performs all essential duties and responsibilities and unit-specific requirements of a Forensic Scientist III.
• Validates new methods for new technologically advanced instrumentation or platforms.
• Researches forensic science field and studies current material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in forensic examinations.
• Gives presentations or lectures at professional conferences or local colleges and universities.
• Assists unit supervisor in writing procedures and policies for the unit.
• Makes recommendations for continuous improvement to management.
• Develops, modifies, and maintains manuals for training program, section-specific documents, controlled forms with supervisor approval.
• May serve as software application administrator for laboratory information management system. 9. Coordinates preventative maintenance with vendors for scientific instrumentation.   10. Assumes unit lead responsibilities in the absence of the Forensic Supervisor when assigned.  

Working Conditions:

Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.  Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position:  Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions in the last 10 years, Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication in the last 10 years, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and ALL Family Violence Convictions regardless of class.

Depending on assignment, positions in this class typically require touching, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking and repetitive motions.  Works with hazardous materials and chemicals.  May be exposed to hazardous and/or dangerous work environments.