Work Study Forensic Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Title: Forensic Laboratory Specialist II - Toxicology - Northern Laboratory - GF214

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Specialist I

Hiring Range: $54,000 - $58,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Northern Lab

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This is a grant funded position. Grant Funding is approved through September 24, 2026.
The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to assist the Toxicology section of the Northern Regional Laboratory. Duties of the position include administrative support to include scanning, copying, and filing data; routine laboratory maintenance such as cleaning glassware, waste disposal, and changing compressed gas cylinders; preparation of reagents; transfer of evidence, maintaining a secure and intact chain of custody; assistance typing and distributing Certificates of Analysis to agency customers. This position also trains to perform alcohol analysis using Headspace Gas Chromatography, preliminary drug screening using ELISA, and CO saturation determination using UV-VIS spectrophotometry; and may be required to testify in court to duties performed.
DFS offers outstanding health benefits at competitive rates, along with paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees also enjoy paid holidays, vacation, and various leave options, access to health and wellness programs, eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, and participation in a state retirement plan with tax-deferred savings options and employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience preparing solutions and reagents for use in a laboratory setting
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory environment, including standard laboratory equipment and safety procedures
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite programs
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, follow written protocols and oral instructions, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and independently perform routine duties
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing
• Valid driver's license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a laboratory environment operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation
• Experience performing and documenting QA procedures
• Experience handling biological fluids, preferably in a forensic or clinical toxicology laboratory
• Experience using laboratory information management software

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applications must be submitted electronically through this website by 11:55 p.m. on the position's closing date. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or handdelivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, resume, and any required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants who need accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni.
DFS does not provide sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment without the need for employer sponsorship or a STEM extension.
Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including a fingerprintbased criminal history check. Candidate(s) must also provide a DNA sample via buccal swab (saliva) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted and will include contact with current and previous supervisors.
Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.