Forensic Scientist 4 DNA Technical Leader

About the Department

About the Position:
The Forensic Scientist 4 (FS4) DNA Technical Leader of Analytical Methods role supports the Crime Laboratory Division’s statewide Forensic DNA program and is based in the Standards and Accountability Unit (SAS) under the direction of the primary DNA Technical Leader.  This new role will have the responsibility for the subset of Quality Assurance Standards pertaining to technical methods in use by the WSPCLD’s 6 laboratories, as well as fulfilling the role of WSP’s Rapid DNA Administrator, overseeing users of Rapid DNA to process samples for CODIS following the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards. By having personnel dedicated to carrying out new method adoption by WSPCLD, as well as the developing Rapid DNA program, the capacity of the WSPCLD to provide high quality forensic services and training is expected to increase.

This position plans and evaluates internal studies to adopt new or modified analytical methods, which will include assigning project tasks. Will plan, assign, instruct/train, and review/approve training qualifications of Rapid DNA partner agency operators.

About the Division:
The Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) provides high quality forensic science services and training for Washington’s criminal justice agencies that enhances public safety for the citizens of Washington.

Position Duties

Our new teammate will be able to:

• Propose new or modified analytical procedures, plan validation studies, manage validation projects, collate and analyze data, draft, review, and approve validation summaries, and revise standard operating procedures.

• Plan and coordinate WA state Rapid DNA working group meetings and other external communication, provide or oversee training of operators in partner agencies, review training, approve qualifications, authorize operators, establish procedures and MOUs.

• Review of validation studies and analytical procedures currently used by the lab, review laboratory procedures annually, stay abreast of topics relevant to the field.

• Conduct and document a site visit to each lab semi-annually.

• Perform duties of acting primary DNA Technical Leader, as assigned. 

• Assist in preparing for internal and external audits. 

• Document compliance with standards, regulations, agency and division policy. 

• Participate in any requests for interviews or court declarations by attorneys, provide testimony in WA courts.

Interactions to accomplish the work:
Interaction is with the WSP’s primary DNA Technical Leader, DNA Operations Manager, other Standards & Accountability section members, DNA forensic scientists, laboratory staff at work location, FLSB IT personnel, law enforcement, attorneys, vendors, medical examiner/coroner office staff, and occasionally the general public.

Schedule: 40-hour work week, generally 5 days per week Monday through Friday. Hours may be flexible upon approval of the supervisor. Business hours are determined locally and are generally 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area.
• Successfully completed coursework in statistics or population genetics and at least 9 credit hours in biology or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis. Completed coursework shall include at least 1 graduate level course.
• At least two years of experience as a Forensic Scientist 3 in DNA, or 5 years of full-time paid experience in a forensic science laboratory as a qualified analyst authorized to conduct human DNA STR testing on forensic samples, with documented DNA mixture interpretation training.
• Demonstrates a high level of public speaking skills. Effectively expresses ideas and information through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA analysis, FBI Quality Assurance Standards, SWGDAM validation guidelines, and accreditation standards.
• Works cooperatively and effectively with other people at all levels of the organization.
• Solves problems and analyzes issues.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license due to travel required to complete job duties.
• Equity Competencies
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Conditions of Employment:

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities. 
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01.
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

Other Qualifications

The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov