DNA Criminalist I, II, or III (DNA Screening)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab has open positions!

Position Title: DNA Criminalist I, II, or III (DNA Screening)

Location: Jefferson City, MO

Description of position: 

Criminalist I: This is an entry level position where the employee performs technical work in the scientific analysis of body fluids. An employee in this position participates in a formal and on-the-job-training program. Work is performed under immediate supervision. 

Criminalist II: This is a responsible professional and technical position. Work includes performing technical work in the scientific analysis of body fluids. The employee may assist in the training of other criminalists and laboratory technicians. Work is performed under general supervision of a superior who makes assignments and provides advice and assistance in complex work methods; however, the employee is expected to work independently within the framework of established procedures and policies. 

Criminalist III: This is a very responsible professional and technical position. Work includes performing technical work in the scientific analysis of body fluids. The employee may assist in the training of other criminalists and laboratory technicians. Work includes preparing reports, developing procedures for the laboratory, testifying in court, and instructing others about body fluid collection and analysis. Work performed with considerable independence within the framework of established policies and procedures. 

This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Additional information regarding the job description: https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/HRD/Civilian/CivilianJobDescriptions/criminalistJobDescription.html

Specific educational requirements - please submit college transcripts with application

-Bachelor's degree or an advanced degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science related area

-At least 20 hours of biology

-Course requirements (completed with a C or better):

--Genetics

--Biochemistry

--Molecular Biology

--Statistics or Population Genetics

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Final selection may be based upon several factors, e.g., results of an oral
interview, written examination or exercise, review of past work performance, performance evaluations, and/or candidate’s possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed necessary for successful performance in the job.

Once a job offer has been made, employment with the Missouri State Highway Patrol is contingent upon the successful results of a polygraph examination, background investigation and Patrol administered drug test. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is a Drug Free Workplace.

Polygraph Examination: The applicant must undergo and successfully complete a polygraph examination, administered by a Patrol polygraphist. The polygraph examination can be stressful for some applicants. Conditions such as hypertension, pregnancy, respiratory or heart ailments, etc., may affect the results of the polygraph examination. While there is no medical evidence that a polygraph examination affects a person's health, applicants are encouraged to discuss this step with their physician prior to the examination to determine if it is suitable for them to be tested. If accommodation is needed, the applicant must discuss this with the Human Resources Division at the time the examination is scheduled. Those applicants who are pregnant will not be tested until after the birth of the child. All applicants are required to sign a waiver form prior to taking the polygraph examination. The areas covered in the polygraph examination are as follows: employment history, traffic record, financial history, past and current illegal drug usage, record of criminal convictions, and basic honesty.

Some Patrol duties relate to criminal activity. Therefore, employees may be exposed to written material, photographs, and/or verbal language of a sexual nature. The requirements of this position are not intended to create a hostile work environment; however, it is work of an extremely sensitive nature. A copy of the Missouri State Highway Patrol policy on sexual harassment is available upon request.

The MSHP Crime Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package! 

-Health insurance

-Prescription coverage 

-Dental insurance

-Vision insurance

-Life insurance

-Other insurance: critical illness, accident, cancer, etc.

-Retirement

-457 Deferred Compensation with employer matching

-Payroll deduction and pre-tax payments for child/dependent care expenses, employee/dependent flexible medical payments, and state sponsored health insurance premiums

-MO 529 - an investment account for education.

-Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - confidential service to help employees manage person difficulties 

-Leave:

--10 hours of vacation per month

--10 hours of sick leave per month

--13 paid holidays per year

--Other leave: military, worker's injury, jury duty, maternity leave, FMLA, bereavement, etc.

-State employee discounts

 Apply on this website: https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HRIS/external/jobList.do

Questions?  

Contact Madalyn Veltrop

573-522-7172

Madalyn.Veltrop@mshp.dps.mo.gvo