Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor - Forensic Biology - Western Laboratory - CF271 (Agency Only)

Title: Forensic Scientist Section Supervisor - Forensic Biology - Western Laboratory - CF271 (Agency Only)

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist III

Hiring Range: $104,192 - $139,627

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Western Lab

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

The Department of Forensic Science is seeking a qualified candidate to lead bench-level and supervisory staff in the daily operations of the Forensic Biology Section at our Western Laboratory. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, state requirements, and departmental policies; managing section backlog and monitoring workload; and ensuring staff meet established productivity measures. The selected candidate will manage case priorities, oversee required performance checks and validation studies, coordinate inter‑laboratory case transfers, implement quality assurance and quality control procedures, and ensure staff receive appropriate training. Additional responsibilities include performance management and oversight of section operations to support high‑quality analytical work.

This position also independently performs comprehensive scientific analyses on a wide range of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies. The role requires the application of advanced methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation used in forensic biology. Duties include accessing CODIS for data entry and evaluation of candidate matches, interpreting analytical results, and preparing formal reports for use within the criminal justice system. The incumbent will prepare court exhibits and provide expert testimony as needed. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee must provide their own transportation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area
• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling at least nine credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis as well as coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory in forensic DNA PCR-based STR analysis on casework using the capillary electrophoresis (CE) platform
• Significant experience as a qualified DNA casework analyst in an accredited forensic laboratory conducting DNA isolations, PCR analysis using STRs on the CE platform, interpreting data and drawing conclusions on casework evidence, preparation of case-specific reports containing self-generated results, conclusions, and statistics
• Comprehensive understanding of FBI Quality Assurance Standards, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• Valid driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation
• Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation

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
• Experience supervising technical staff
• Experience in forensic related teaching/training

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 dfshumanresources@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.

Background Investigation: Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current supervisor.

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 Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virgina.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.

Advertised: 02 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 09 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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