Forensic Scientist II, DNA

Duties:

The primary purposes of this position include:

• Analyzing convicted offender and arrestee DNA samples for upload to CODIS.
• Expungement of arrestee samples upon request from District Attorney’s Offices
• CODIS Hit Confirmations
• Maintaining sample inventory forms from Department of Public Safety/Adult Corrections submissions.
• Verification of offense eligibility for database samples.
• Receipt and analysis of blood and cheek cell samples from arrestees and convicted felons.
• Testifying to the laboratory results in court.
• Use of the CODIS system.
• Communication with public officials

Requirements:

Due to Federal standards, each analyst that performs DNA analysis is required to have college course work or classes covering the subject areas of: (These requirements are in addition to having a bachelor's degree in the appropriate discipline listed under the Education and Experience requirements)

• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Statistics and/or population genetics

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Employees must have a working knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources, and laboratory practices involved with the testing of database samples.
• Employees must have a working knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding the DNA Database.
• Employees must have a working knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Forensic Biology Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in biochemistry, genetic, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics and two years of experience performing bench level analysis in forensic biology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and International Standards Organization standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Management preferences:

• Experience utilizing the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) software

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