Forensic Biochemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $64,986.00 - $68,236.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 26-067
Agency: State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Division: Forensic Services
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: JA65
Position Number:: 61055691/60004694
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN09
Hiring Range - Min.: $64,986.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $68,236.00
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.
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 two (2) Criminalist positions in our Forensic Services - DNA Casework Department. Candidates must have integrity, a bachelor'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 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, 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
Conduct serological and DNA analyses on evidence submitted to the SLED Forensic Services Laboratory and provide written reports 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 in order to provide guidance for other analysts regarding case analysis.
• Receive evidence and maintain chain of custody for all evidence taken into the employee's custody.
• Properly utilize all necessary software and hardware, such as the Laboratory Management System (LIMS) or photography equipment to document all case-related information.
• Properly document and preserve evidence. Use proper and professional communication on all case-related matters.
• 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 continuing education opportunities as required by FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS).
• Conduct training for other internal or external groups as directed by supervisor.
• Assume 24-hour call for DNA/Serology related issues to include possible crime scene consultation.
• Maintain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent in a biological, chemical, 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 QAS or other subjects that provide basic understanding of forensic serology/DNA analysis.
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience performing DNA analysis and data interpretation at an accredited forensic DNA laboratory.
• 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 and meet all requirements to obtain certification as a Class III law enforcement officer by the State of South Carolina.
• 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 complete duties under limited supervision.
• Position is subject 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.
• 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) years of relevant experience performing DNA analysis and data interpretation at an accredited forensic DNA laboratory.
• Proficient in use of GlobalFilerTM PCR amplification kit and YfilerTM Plus PCR amplification kit

• Proficient in use of 3500xl Capillary Electrophoresis instrument

• Proficient in use of GeneMapperTM ID-X software v1.7
• Proficient in use of STRmixTM probabilistic genotyping software

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
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

A copy of the Division's EEOP Utilization Report is available at www.sled.sc.gov
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 bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical, forensic science, or related field from an accredited college/university?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience performing DNA analysis and data interpretation at an accredited forensic DNA laboratory?

• Yes
• No

03
Please briefly describe your experience.
04
Do you have thorough understanding of the underlying science of Forensic DNA analysis and a working knowledge of computers?

• Yes
• No

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
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

07
If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $64,986 and $68,236?

• Yes
• No

08
As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

09
Have you ever purchased or sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and date of action.
10
Have you ever used/experimented with any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.
11
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

12
I have read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

• Yes
• No

13
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

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