Criminalist II/III - Tech Lead

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill one (1) Criminalist position in our Forensic Services – DNA Database Department. Candidates must have integrity, a master’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 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

Serve as the Technical Leader for the DNA Database Department with responsibility for all technical operations, and all associated duties as determined by the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories. This position is also responsible for performing analysis on database samples, writing CODIS hit letters, and testifying in court when needed. Serve as a Class III law enforcement officer.

Specific Duties

• Responsible for technical operations of the DNA Database Department and all associated duties as determined by the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories. Provide oversight of the technical proficiency program, quality assurance programs, training, and audits.
• Develop, validate, and implement new procedures that would improve the efficiency of the department. Update laboratory policies and procedures as needed to ensure compliance with all applicable standards, requirements, and validation studies. Troubleshoot instrument and data quality concerns.
• Perform the functions of CODIS to include specimen management, data entry, searching various indexes. Properly confirm and disposition CODIS candidate matches and issue information letters in a timely manner. Update specimen and hit information. Ensure adherence to NDIS procedures.
• Conduct DNA analysis of offender samples using defined protocols, interpret results of analysis, and perform technical reviews of DNA results for import into CODIS. Ensure adherence to all appropriate FBI Quality Assurance and accreditation standards.
• Maintain a professional level of communication at all times. Effectively interact with other departmental personnel, agency personnel, and other members of the legal community as part of a team and as a departmental leader.
• Provide effective 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 training sessions as required for continuing education requirements.
• Conduct training for other internal or external groups as directed by supervisor.
• Assume 24-hour call for DNA related matters to include possible crime scene consultation.
• Maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).
  
  

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A master’s degree in biology, chemistry, 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 Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic 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 offender samples, interpret findings, prepare scientific documentation, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
• 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 compute duties under limited supervision.
• Position is required 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.
• Must meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• Must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and obtain/maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer.
• 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) year of relevant experience working in a DNA laboratory performing DNA analysis and data interpretation.
• Previous experience as a forensic DNA analyst in a casework laboratory.
• Proficient in use of CPA200 punch instrument
• Proficient in use of GlobalFiler™ Express PCR amplification kit
• Proficient in use of 3500xl Capillary Electrophoresis instrument
• Proficient in use of GeneMapper™ ID-X software
• Proficient in use of RapidHIT™ ID instrument
  
  

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
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
  
  

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