County of San Mateo
Criminalist I/II - Forensic Biology/DNA
County of San Mateo, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Criminalist I/II - Forensic Biology/DNA
role at
County of San Mateo
The County of San Mateo’s Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, 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 laboratory was constructed in March 2003 and is located in San Mateo, California.
Base pay range $103,688.00/yr - $161,324.80/yr
Qualifications
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.
Successfully complete a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate or graduate coursework covering biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and/or population genetics.
Have a minimum of three years of forensic DNA laboratory experience, including 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 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.
Responsibilities & Duties
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.
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
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Government Administration
Location San Mateo, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
role at
County of San Mateo
The County of San Mateo’s Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, 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 laboratory was constructed in March 2003 and is located in San Mateo, California.
Base pay range $103,688.00/yr - $161,324.80/yr
Qualifications
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.
Successfully complete a minimum of 12 semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate or graduate coursework covering biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and/or population genetics.
Have a minimum of three years of forensic DNA laboratory experience, including 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 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.
Responsibilities & Duties
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.
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
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Government Administration
Location San Mateo, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr