DNA Forensic Analyst

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Public Safety

Job Class Code: 4209
Grade: 27 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $66,924.00 - $94,036.80/Annually (Includes 10% stipend)
Location: Augusta, ME

Opening Date : November 5, 2026
Closing Date :  November 20, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION:

This professional services work involves scientifically examining, testing, and analyzing biological evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies and medical examiners for criminal investigations, identification of remains, and DNA databasing. Responsibilities include examining and analyzing evidence using valid forensic DNA and serological tests, evaluating data, preparing written expert opinions concerning the DNA profile results and conclusions, and testifying as an expert witness in court. Work is performed under limited supervision.

A successful candidate can work with a broad community, including but not limited to federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement professionals, legal professionals, vendors, other crime laboratories, communications media, and community resource groups.

This position answers to the Forensic Biology Supervisor, whose direct report is the Crime Laboratory Director/Lieutenant.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Examine and analyze various types of biological evidence using scientifically valid laboratory tests/procedures to identify inclusions and exclusions of DNA profiles between evidence, known references, and database samples.
- Explain and interpret forensic DNA results and conclusions, their scientific basis, and statistical significance in criminal court proceedings and provide expert testimony to the same.
- Act as a liaison to federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, the medical and scientific communities, and communications media to explain analytical results and provide information concerning forensic DNA services at the Crime Laboratory.
- Formally and informally train law enforcement personnel on proper handling of biological evidence and the capabilities of forensic DNA analysis to ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence and promote the collection of DNA evidence.
- Participate in programs including DNA proficiency tests, quality assurance, and laboratory safety to maintain national accreditation and ensure the integrity of analytical tests and results.
- Write and maintain daily logs, reports, and case records to document information for future reference.
- Order and maintain stock levels of supplies, reagents, and chemicals to ensure sufficient inventory required to perform testing/services.
- Write technical reports and opinions of analytical results and conclusions to document and provide expert written opinion and courtroom testimony.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

- Knowledge of forensic DNA principles, laboratory techniques, procedures, and technology.
- Knowledge of physical evidence collection and preservation techniques.
- Knowledge of rules of evidence.
- Knowledge of forensic serology.
- Knowledge of Electrophoresis.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative/qualitative organic chemistry.
- Knowledge of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and/or population genetics.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Knowledge of forensic DNA laboratory proficiency and validation studies.
- Ability to perform forensic DNA-PCR analysis.
- Ability to evaluate and interpret forensic DNA test results.
- Ability to present and defend findings in a court of law.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Ability to examine, analyze, identify, and compare various types of physical evidence.
- Ability to prepare reagents and solutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A seven year combination of education, training, and/or experience comprised of a Bachelors Degree in a biological, chemical, or forensic science which includes training or coursework in the areas of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology -AND- three years experience in forensic analysis which includes training or experience in the location, identification, and genetic characterization of body fluids.

To request a paper application, please contact Stephanie Hayes via email at [email protected]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates) for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit) .
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) .
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal) .
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.