Criminalist I/II - Forensic Biology/ DNA (20690160)

The County of San Mateo's Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, which is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board in both Testing and Calibration, is seeking to fill a Criminalist I/II position within its Forensic Biology and DNA Section, which includes participation in crime scene examination.

The Forensic Laboratory was constructed in March 2003 and is located in San Mateo, California. It is managed by a civilian Laboratory Director who is currently supported by three Supervising Criminalists, one Legal Office Services Supervisor, 28 Criminalists and interns, two Legal Office Specialists, and two Property Officers. The Criminalist will report to a Supervising Criminalist and will analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations, providing laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of serology and DNA analysis. They may participate in validation studies of new technology and methods for use in casework, cold case investigations, internal audits, and guiding our intern program. Also, on a rotational basis, they will respond with a partner to investigate crime scenes for homicides and officer involved critical incidents. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcsheriff.com/multi-jurisdictional-division/forensic-laboratory.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an experienced Forensic Biology/DNA analyst dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the forensic industry.
• Have experience in biological screening, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, and typing.
• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science.
• Have successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate or graduate coursework covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics and/or population genetics.
• Have a minimum of three years of forensic DNA laboratory experience, which includes examining, collecting, and analyzing biological fluids, contact DNA, and other biological evidence collected from crime scenes.
• Be experienced in using a wide variety of equipment and instrumentation including alternate light sources, centrifuges, microscopes, DNA extraction robots, liquid handlers, thermal cyclers, and genetic analyzers.
• Have courtroom testimony experience.

Additional emphasis will be placed upon the following professional and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated project management proficiency, effective planning, organizing, and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter, motivated and capable of demonstrating measurable work results in a timely manner.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge/experience in PCR DNA STR Systems.
• Knowledge/experience in probabilistic genotyping.
• Ability to persuasively communicate ideas and goals and effectively motivate others to achieve those goals.
• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Understanding of current forensic technology and experience in the collection and analysis of biological fluids and other physical evidence collected at crime scenes.

There is currently one vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Criminalist I or Criminalist II level.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Examine and identify biological fluids such as blood, saliva, and semen.
• Perform microscopic examinations to identify biological cells.
• Perform DNA extractions.
• Perform quantitation of DNA extractions.
• Perform PCR amplifications.
• Analyze, interpret, and provide statistical significance to DNA typing results (including simple and complex mixtures).
• Prepare evidence for presentation at court and testify as an expert witness on the results of laboratory analysis.
• Engage in crime scene examination of major crime scenes; identify, document, and collect physical evidence.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to major crime scenes; approximately a one-week duration every eight weeks.
• Take photographs.
• Participate in public relations activities such as conducting tours of the Laboratory and speaking to various interested groups.
• Care for and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

Final Filing Date: Friday, January 2, 2026 by 11:59pm PST

Applicant Screening: Week of January 5, 2026

Panel Interviews: Week of January 19, 2026