Criminalist II/III – DNA Casework Full Time

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill two (2) Criminalist positions in our Forensic Services – DNA Casework Department. Candidates must have integrity, a bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, forensic science, or related field from an accredited college/university, and a basic understanding of scientific principles involved in DNA and Serology analysis.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED’s diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov .

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General Responsibility

Conduct serological and DNA analyses on evidence submitted to the SLED Forensic Services Laboratory and provide written reports on the interpretation of analysis with limited supervision. Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts. Represent SLED, Forensic Services, and the DNA Casework Department in a professional manner at all times. Serve as a Class III law enforcement officer.

Specific Duties

• Evaluate case information, identify biological evidence, and perform all aspects of the serological and DNA analysis using defined protocols. Interpret results of these analyses and prepare a formal written report.
• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of laboratory techniques and interpretation of DNA results in order to provide guidance for other analysts regarding case analysis.
• Receive evidence and maintain chain of custody for all evidence taken into the employee’s custody.
• Properly utilize all necessary software and hardware, such as the Laboratory Management System (LIMS) or photography equipment to document all case-related information.
• Properly document and preserve evidence. Use proper and professional communication on all case-related matters.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts. Present scientific results of analyses and their interpretation in court. Participate in pre-trial conferences and hearings; respond appropriately to requests by the court and other authorized parties.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities as required by FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS).
• Conduct training for other internal or external groups as directed by supervisor.
• Assume 24-hour call for DNA/Serology related issues to include possible crime scene consultation.
• Maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in a biological, chemical, forensic science, or related field from an accredited college or university. Must have credits received in genetics, biochemistry, statistics/population genetics, and molecular biology as required by the FBI QAS or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic serology/DNA analysis.
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience working in a forensic DNA laboratory performing DNA analysis and data interpretation.
• Ability to analyze evidence, interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
• Must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at SCCJA and meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• Must have thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis.
• Must have a working knowledge of computers.
• Must be able to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in the appropriate categories of testing or job functions.
• Must be able to complete duties under limited supervision.
• Position is subject to be on periodic 24-hour call, 7 days a week as designated.
• Employee is expected to provide expert testimony which may require after hours and/or overnight travel.
• There is no residency requirement for this position. However, the employee is expected to report to the Forensic Services Laboratory in Columbia, SC during normal business hours Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm), and on-call as needed.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) years of relevant experience working in a forensic DNA laboratory performing DNA analysis and data interpretation
• Proficient in use of GlobalFiler TM PCR amplification kit and Yfiler TM Plus PCR amplification kit
• Proficient in use of 3500xl Capillary Electrophoresis instrument
• Proficient in use of GeneMapper TM ID-X software v1.7
• Proficient in use of STRmix TM probabilistic genotyping software

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

A copy of the Division’s EEOP Utilization Report is available at www.sled.sc.gov

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.