Criminalist

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Criminalist – Validation Specialty position within the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory. This is not a remote position.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Administrative Services Division

This position collects and preserves evidence and performs scientific analysis of physical materials in the investigation of crimes for the Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Laboratory and performs related work as required. This position will be assigned to the DNA section of the laboratory and performs scientific validations to test new equipment, reagents or technologies to ensure that they perform as intended before they would be used on crime scene evidence or DNA database samples.

Develops DNA profiles from samples collected at crime scenes or from court ordered individuals. Utilizes DNA data analysis software to interpret single source and mixture DNA data and apply a statistic to the data. Uploads DNA profiles to and follows the prescribed guidelines of the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Performs technical and administrative reviews of the reports of fellow Criminalists and provides court testimony.

Additionally, this position compares unknown DNA profiles to known DNA profiles and reaches conclusions based upon those comparisons. Performs screening tests, robotic sampling, direct amplification, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis. Interprets DNA data, writes DNA reports and testifies to inclusions and exclusions. Performs and testifies to statistical calculations performed on DNA evidence.

Candidate shall have a bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area and have successfully completed college coursework covering biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics or population genetics. Minimum of nine cumulative semester hours covering required subjects. Graduate or undergraduate level coursework covering biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Successful completion of college coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics.

Applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered. Applicants must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Driver's License. Applicants are encouraged to upload a cover letter, transcripts, and resume to NEO GOV.

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees’ talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well‑being beyond the paycheck.

• Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Nine (9) paid holidays per year

• Health – Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
• Dental – Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
• Life – $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance – Available at no cost

• IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee…