Department of Public Safety

Job Class Code: 4209
Grade: 27 - Professional / Technical
Salary: $64,040 - $89,986 (This salary does include a 10% stipend) 
Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date: October 17, 2024

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

This is professional services work involving the scientific examination, testing, and analysis of biological evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies and medical examiners in connection with criminal investigations, identification of remains, and DNA databasing. Responsibilities include examining and analyzing evidence by employing valid forensic DNA and serological tests; evaluating data and preparing a written expert opinion concerning the DNA profile results and conclusions; and testifying as an expert witness in a court of law.  Work is performed under limited supervision. 

A successful candidate will be able to work with a broad community including but not limited to federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement professionals, legal professionals, vendors, other crime laboratories, communications media, and community resource groups.

Employees under this classification are eligible to retire after 25 years of service, regardless of age. 

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Examines and analyzes various types of biological evidence using scientifically valid laboratory tests/procedures to identify inclusions and exclusions of DNA profiles between evidence, known references, and database samples.
• Explains and interprets forensic DNA results and conclusions, their scientific basis, and statistical significance in criminal court proceedings to provide expert testimony
• Liaisons with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, the medical and scientific communities, and communications media to explain analytical results and provide information concerning forensic DNA services at the Crime Laboratory.
• Trains law enforcement personnel in proper methods of handling physical items to ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence and the Crime Laboratory’s forensic DNA analysis capabilities.
• Participates in programs including DNA proficiency tests, quality assurance, and laboratory safety to maintain national accreditation and ensure the integrity of analytical testing and results.
• Writes and maintains daily logs, reports, and case records to document information for future reference and retrieval.
• Orders and maintain stock levels of supplies, reagents, and chemicals to ensure sufficient inventory required to perform testing/services.
• Writes technical reports and opinions of analytical results and conclusions to document and provide expert written opinion and courtroom testimony.

This position is supervised by the Forensic Biology Supervisor 

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of forensic DNA principles, laboratory techniques, procedures, and technology.
• Knowledge of physical evidence collection and preservation techniques.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of forensic serology.
• Knowledge of Electrophoresis.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative/qualitative organic chemistry.
• Knowledge of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA laboratory proficiency and validation studies.
• Ability to perform forensic DNA - PCR analyses.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret forensic DNA test results.
• Ability to present and defend findings in a court of law.
• Ability to communicate effectively.Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to examine, analyze, identify, and compare various types of physical evidence.
• Ability to prepare reagents and solutions.

Minimum qualifications:

A seven year combination of education, training, and/or experience comprised of a Bachelors Degree in a biological, chemical, or forensic science which includes training or coursework in the areas of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology -AND- three years experience in forensic analysis which includes training or experience in the location, identification, and genetic characterization of body fluids.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

With a seven-year combination of education, training, and/or experience comprised of a bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or forensic science which must have science and laboratory-based coursework as an integral component.  Coursework must include a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours (or equivalent) that cover the required subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics/population genetics -AND- three years of experience in forensic analysis which includes training or experience in the identification and genetic characterization of biological material.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Lt. Michael Zabarsky at 207-624-7100

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.