Criminalist I - DNA Casework

Criminalist I - DNA Casework

Salary

$62,079.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

26-092

Agency

State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Division

Forensic Services

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Residency Requirement

No

Class Code:

JA60

Position Number:

61055691/61110970/61109536/60004694

Normal Work Schedule:

Other

Pay Grade

GEN08

Hiring Range - Min.

$62,079.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$62,079.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

All applicants must complete the on-line State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, nor will it be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

Normal Work Schedule (Other):

Work week will be 43 hours, Monday - Friday, and subject to emergency call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill four (4) DNA Analyst/Criminalist positions in our Forensic Services - DNA Casework Department. Candidates must have a bachelors degree, integrity, 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, SLEDs 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.

General Responsibility

Conduct serological and DNA analyses on evidence submitted to the SLED Forensic Services Laboratory and provide written reports based 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 and provide guidance for other analysts regarding case analysis.
• Receive evidence from law enforcement agencies and maintain chain of custody for all evidence taken into the employees custody. Document and preserve evidence for potential further testing.
• Properly document all case-related communications with other parties. Maintain a professional level of communication at all times. When necessary, coordinate with other departments to ensure that all requested analyses are appropriately prioritized and evidence is preserved to the extent possible. 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 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 and seminars as requested for required employee continuing education. Conduct training for other internal or external groups as directed by departmental supervisor. Train other departmental employees to perform these trainings.
• Perform and/or initiate research, validation, quality control, quality assurance, safety, and other responsibilities as directed by departmental supervisor. Coordinate projects and provide guidance to others to complete these tasks.
• Assume 24-hour call for DNA/Serology related issues to include possible consultation on crime scene processing.
• Maintain certification as a commissioned Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelors degree or the equivalent in a biological, chemical, forensic science or related area from an accredited college/university or obtain one within 90 days of the posting date. Must have credits received in genetics, biochemistry, statistics, and molecular biology or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic Serology/DNA analysis.
• 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.
• Must have thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis.
• Must meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• 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.
• This position is required to be on periodic 24 hour call, 7 days a week as designated. This may require response to crime scene processing consultation requests throughout he sate and may require after hours work and/or overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with forensic serology and DNA analysis.

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

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.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01

Do you have a bachelors degree or will you have a bachelors degree within 90 days of the posting date, in a biological, chemical, forensic science, or related field from an accredited college/university?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you received undergraduate or graduate credits in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and statistics?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis and a working knowledge of computers?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe any relevant experience you may have with Forensic DNA/Serology analysis.

05

If offered the position, do you understand that you must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and obtain certification as a Class III Law Enforcement Officer?

• Yes
• No

06

If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer of $62,079?

• Yes
• No

07

As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a background investigation to include: a criminal history check, driving record, history of drug use, employer and personal reference checks?

• Yes
• No

08

As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

09

Will you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the selection procedures (e.g., interview, written tests, or job demonstrations)? If yes, contact the human resources office of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

• Yes
• No

10

Have you ever purchased or sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and date of action.

11

Have you ever used/experimented with any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.

12

I understand that these supplemental questions are an official part of this application. Any attempt to misrepresent myself may be grounds for disqualification.

• Yes
• No

13

I have read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

• Yes
• No

14

How did you learn about this career opportunity? (Careers.SC.Gov; LinkedIn; Employee Referral; Career Fair; Direct E-Mail; Etc.) Please specify below.

Required Question

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Address 4400 Broad River Road

Columbia, South Carolina, 29210

Phone 803-896-7199

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.