Criminalist DNA Analyst

Duties

This position is GRANT-FUNDED.

• Performs complex laboratory analyses of biological evidence obtained from crime scenes or elsewhere; uses advanced laboratory techniques, materials, and analytical instrumentation in the analysis and typing of DNA from body fluids and tissues.
• Interprets results, formulates independent conclusions, and prepares reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system.
• Provides expert testimony in court relating to results of analyses; provides technical advice and guidance to laboratory personnel and members of the criminal justice system in forensic matters.
• Follows quality control procedures and ensures that all work is performed in accordance with laboratory procedures, state and federal regulations, ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation standards and the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
• Performs quality assurance and quality control checks; Assists with the maintenance and calibration of complex laboratory equipment.
• Performs related work as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Preferred Qualification

• Minimum of three (3) years of documented, forensic human-DNA laboratory experience in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited crime laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Biology or related area, including college coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics as required by FBI QAS.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in forensic evidence testing.
• Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody, and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness.
• Knowledge of Quality Control procedures and Quality Assurance principles; knowledge of ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner.
• Ability to create comprehensive understandable reports of findings.
• Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies.
• Ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances.

ADA and Other Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Requirements:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
• Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish tasks.
• Communicating both verbally and written in order to exchange information.
• Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying.
• Work primarily in office environment.
• Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and phone.

Sensory Requirements:

• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data.
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain.
• Comprehension of written information in work related documents.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files, and phone.

Conditions of Employment

• The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
• Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

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