Criminalist DNA

Duties

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follows written standard operating procedures, policy, and procedures.
• Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
• Documents, handles, packages, and receives evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with established forensic practices under state and federal laws. Properly maintain and document chain of custody.
• Determine the best method or methods to perform analysis. Examines evidence items to preserve, collect, photograph, and identify samples for analysis.
• Examine and evaluate numerous types of evidence for the presence of biological materials (blood, semen, saliva) from submitted evidence items.
• Performs Serological examination of evidence; presumptive testing, confirmatory testing; and DNA analysis on evidence items.
• Collects trace evidence as it relates to the case.
• Isolate, purify and quantify DNA from items of evidence using appropriate techniques.
• Develop genetic profiles using the current accepted methodology.
• Generate and compare the resultant DNA profiles by use of computer software.
• Determine the statistical significance of a DNA match.
• Interprets the scientific data gathered and prepares meaningful reports in a manner to be presented to a judge and jury in a court of law.
• Interpret test results obtained from the proper microscopic, chemical, and instrumental methods and prepare detailed reports of analysis.
• Performs technical review of casework.
• Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
• Maintain competent analytical skills, experience, and expertise in Biology/DNA analysis; regularly demonstrate proficiency in this area.
• Complete two annual proficiency tests in forensic biology/DNA. Completes technical review of other analyst reports and work product.
• Preparation of written and oral reports, technical review, and testimony to conclusions in courtroom proceedings.
• Provides scientific assistance to attorneys and regulatory agencies. Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
• Instructs others in forensics, DNA evidence collection, and provides training seminars, to include outside law enforcement agencies under mutual aid requests.
• May be assigned to train new employees and/or act as a trainer to coworkers in specific specialty areas.
• Operates computers and standard office equipment including commonly used computer software programs required by the position.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform preventative maintenance on state-of-the-art laboratory and analytical instruments and equipment.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance, audits, and certifications.
• Prepares, processes, and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities; including but not limited to; section SOPs, equipment testing, verification and validation studies.
• Maintains ISO 17025:2017 and FBI QAS documentation for accreditation purposes.
• The forensic DNA analyst shall stay abreast of topics relevant to the field of forensic DNA analysis by attending seminars, courses, professional meetings, or other documented lectures or classes in relevant subject areas for a minimum of eight cumulative hours each calendar year.
• The forensic DNA analyst will read a minimum of four published literature articles relating to Serology or DNA analysis annually.
• Testify as an expert witness in municipal, state, and federal courts as necessary regarding analysis.
• Make reagents/standards used for testing and verify their performance.
• Verify/validate new methods.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education:

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent or an advanced degree or its equivalent in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area.
• Successfully completed at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology- or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis.
• In addition, an analyst shall have successfully completed coursework covering statistics or population genetics.

Experience:

• At least two (2) years of experience in performing laboratory duties associated with the processing of biological and DNA evidence in a law enforcement agency

Preferred Experience:

• Master’s degree in forensic science, Natural Science, Criminalistics, or closely related field
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience performing DNA Analysis in a law enforcement agency

Licenses and Certifications:

• Colorado Driver’s License with good driving record
• Specialized certification may be required after hire

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