Dna Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $72,486.00 - $75,736.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 26-069
Agency: State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Division: Forensic Services
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: JA65
Position Number:: 61046280
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN09
Hiring Range - Min.: $72,486.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $75,736.00
Opening Date: 05/07/2026
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, as designated.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill one (1) Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - DNA Database Department. Candidates must have integrity, a master's degree in a biological, chemical, forensic science, or related field from an accredited college/university, and a basic understanding of scientific principles involved in DNA 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, SLED's 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
General Responsibility
Serve as the Technical Leader for the DNA Database Department with responsibility for all technical operations, and all associated duties as determined by the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories. This position is also responsible for performing analysis on database samples, writing CODIS hit letters, and testifying in court when needed. Serve as a Class III law enforcement officer.
Specific Duties

• Responsible for technical operations of the DNA Database Department and all associated duties as determined by the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories. Provide oversight of the technical proficiency program, quality assurance programs, training, and audits.
• Develop, validate, and implement new procedures that would improve the efficiency of the department. Update laboratory policies and procedures as needed to ensure compliance with all applicable standards, requirements, and validation studies. Troubleshoot instrument and data quality concerns.
• Perform the functions of CODIS to include specimen management, data entry, searching various indexes. Properly confirm and disposition CODIS candidate matches and issue information letters in a timely manner. Update specimen and hit information. Ensure adherence to NDIS procedures.
• Conduct DNA analysis of offender samples using defined protocols, interpret results of analysis, and perform technical reviews of DNA results for import into CODIS. Ensure adherence to all appropriate FBI Quality Assurance and accreditation standards.
• Maintain a professional level of communication at all times. 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 effective 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 as required for continuing education requirements.
• Conduct training for other internal or external groups as directed by supervisor.
• Assume 24-hour call for DNA related matters to include possible crime scene consultation.
• Maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A master's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or related field from an accredited college or university. Must have credits received in genetics, biochemistry, statistics/population genetics, and molecular biology as required by the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic DNA analysis.
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience working in a forensic DNA laboratory performing DNA analysis and data interpretation.
• Ability to analyze offender samples, interpret findings, prepare scientific documentation, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
• Must have thorough understanding of the underlying science of forensic DNA analysis.
• Must have a working knowledge of computers.
• Must be able to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in the appropriate categories of testing or job functions.
• Must be able to compute duties under limited supervision.
• Position is required to be on periodic 24-hour call, 7 days a week as designated.
• Employee is expected to provide expert testimony which may require after hours and/or overnight travel.
• Must meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• Must successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and obtain/maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer.
• There is no residency requirement for this position. However, the employee is expected to report to the Forensic Services Laboratory in Columbia, SC during normal business hours Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm), and on-call as needed.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) year of relevant experience working in a DNA laboratory performing DNA analysis and data interpretation.
• Previous experience as a forensic DNA analyst in a casework laboratory.
• Proficient in use of CPA200 punch instrument
• Proficient in use of GlobalFiler™ Express PCR amplification kit
• Proficient in use of 3500xl Capillary Electrophoresis instrument
• Proficient in use of GeneMapper™ ID-X software
• Proficient in use of RapidHIT™ ID instrument

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
  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 Master's degree in biology, chemistry, or a forensic science related area?

• Yes
• No

02
Please list all undergraduate and graduate degrees you have.
03
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience working in a forensic DNA laboratory performing DNA analysis and data interpretation?

• Yes
• No

04
Please briefly describe any relevant experience with DNA analysis, forensic science, laboratory experience, etc.
05
Have you completed a training program as a forensic DNA analyst in either a databasing or casework laboratory?

• Yes
• No

06
Please list the DNA technologies you have previously been trained in (i.e., punch instrumentation, amplifications kits, capillary electrophoresis, rapid, etc.).
07
I understand that I must obtain and maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA), if not already certified.

• Yes
• No

08
I understand that this position requires me to provide expert testimony in court, which may include state-wide and overnight travel.

• Yes
• No

09
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

10
If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $72,486 and $75,736?

• Yes
• No

11
As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

12
Have you ever purchased or sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and date of action.
13
Have you ever used/experimented with any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.
14
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

15
I have read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

• Yes
• No

16
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

17
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