Serologist

Division Overview:

The Forensic Science Division Laboratory is a multi-disciplined service facility that supports the Department of Justice's mission to pursue activities and programs that seek to ensure and promote the public interest, safety, and well-being. The activities and programs for which FSD is responsible include managing a statewide system of death investigations and providing scientific analyses of specimens/evidence submitted by law enforcement officials, coroners and state agencies.

The mission of the Montana Forensic Science Division is to use operationally efficient and financially responsible practices as the laboratory provides accurate, objective and timely forensic analyses to the criminal justice community.

The Division is composed of the following sections: Toxicology/Breath Testing, Biology, Chemistry/Trace, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Print/Impression Evidence, and the State Medical Examiner's Office.

Missoula is a college town of about 60,000 individuals. The surrounding area offers the gamut of outdoor recreational opportunities. Missoula is regarded as an outstanding place to live and is within a few hours' drive of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.

Job Overview:

The incumbent will be working in the Biology section of the laboratory which receives items of evidence collected at the scene of crimes such as homicides, rapes, suicides, assaults and burglaries. These items typically have suspected biological fluid stains including blood, semen, vaginal fluid or saliva and, at times, are stained additionally with urine, fecal material, or human tissue. The serologist uses sophisticated physical, chemical and biochemical tests to characterize the biological fluid, collect potentially informative stains for subsequent DNA analysis, and publish reports on the results of the analyses performed. The serologist also screens sexual assault kits for further DNA analysis.

* This is a modified position grant funded position.

Please include your forensic laboratory experience in your cover letter.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired by a Bachelor of Science degree or its equivalent degree in a biological, chemical, or natural science and job-related laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) will have been successfully completed covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis, as well as course work and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics.
• At least 6 months experience working within a Forensic Laboratory. Additionally, experience with the use of a Laboratory Information Management software.

Knowledge :

Thorough knowledge of the theory, practice and use of forensic analytical equipment; biochemical, physical, chemical, and analytical methodologies used for body fluid identification and evidence screening; laboratory safety practices including the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological samples. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, rules, guidelines and regulations governing a forensic laboratory. Thorough knowledge of computer hardware and software used in a forensic biology laboratory. Thorough knowledge of standard sources of information and current literature in the field of forensic biology.

Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance guidelines and protocols as they pertain to forensic biology. Extensive knowledge of evidence handling and the chain of custody ; procedures of biological and physical evidence analysis; systematic approaches to the analysis of evidence; human anatomy, physiology. Knowledge of criminal law and courtroom procedure; case law relating to forensic biology; techniques of courtroom presentation; current trends in forensic science research in general.

Skills :

Skill in body fluid identification, human hair evaluation for DNA analysis, screening evidence samples for male DNA. Skill in using robotic liquid handling platforms and DNA quantification.

Skill in using stereoscopic and bright field compound microscopes, digital imaging/photographic equipment, forensic alternative light source, micro-pipettors, balances, and personal computers. Skill in the methodologies used for preparation of reagents and their respective quality control measures within a forensic laboratory.

Abilities :

Ability to manage time effectively and be self-motivating; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, law enforcement, SANE nurses, attorneys and the public; to follow written and oral instructions; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to speak publicly and testify to results; ability to meticulously and accurately perform testing and recording of results; ability to write clear, concise, accurate and thorough reports, to organize case workload on a daily basis; to coordinate responsibilities with colleagues and co-workers; to organize the work place and analytical approach, both for safety, efficiency and maximum use of available sample; to maintain electronic equipment; to adapt to changing time schedules and working conditions and deal with the associated stress of heavy workloads, and varying priorities.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. in short intervals.
• Must be willing to work with materials considered to be biological hazards.
• Create and maintain a safe/secure working environment by adhering to DOJ safety, security, and health requirements.

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the resume, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
• Intensive Background Check
• Driving History
• Drug Testing

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a cover letter and resume at the time of application .

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a "Relevant File".

Your Cover Letter: Please include your forensic laboratory experience in your cover letter.

Your Resume : Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

Transcripts: Please upload your transcripts so we are able to verify the required qualifications for this position.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service .

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify .

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

This position is/may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) .

Closing Date/Time: Sep 1, 2025, 10:59:00 PM

• 

• Montana Department of Justice

• 1 (406) 459-3741

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