Forensic DNA Analyst

Duties

As a Forensic DNA Analyst, you will:

• Examines evidence items to identify, preserve, collect, and photograph samples for analysis
• Perform presumptive and confirmatory testing on samples from a variety of evidence types related to various criminal cases.
• Collects trace evidence
• Perform forensic DNA analysis from DNA extraction, quantification, and PCR setup, through analysis using specialized analytical instrumentation to develop DNA profiles.
• 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.
• Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings
• Documents, handles, packages, and receives evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with forensic practices under state and federal laws
• Conduct technical reviews of serological and DNA analysis done by other qualified analysts.
• Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local court proceedings on actual results of serology and DNA testing conducted.
• Perform other duties by discussing cases and functions of the lab with officers, detectives, and attorneys.
• Instructs others in forensics, DNA evidence collections and provides training seminars
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships
• Interacts effectively with others, to include other analysts in the DNA Unit as well as the laboratory
• May perform duties as a local CODIS administrator

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

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of modern forensic equipment and procedures
• Extensive knowledge of the workflow of a forensic crime lab
• Considerable knowledge of criminal law, criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence
• Knowledge of DNA QAS documents and ISO 17025:2017 standards
• Knowledge and use of the CODIS database systems
• Knowledge of DNA statistical calculations
• Knowledge of computers and commonly used software programs
• Ability to give professional expert testimony in courts of law
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, and other law enforcement/judicial personnel
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English, to include public speaking
• Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision making
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff
• Ability to get along with others
• Strong analytical and communication skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field of study.
• Three years of full-time, professional experience in a related field. Examples of related fields include experience in a laboratory performing STR forensics DNA testing for the identification and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters, including the successful analysis of a range of samples typically encountered in forensic casework.
• One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to necessary DNA discipline specific requirements (continuing education, proficiency testing, etc.) for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and /NDIS participation requirements.
• Three or more years of casework experience in an ISO 17025:2017 accredited DNA laboratory performing serological examination and DNA analysis.
• Experience with Organic, Chelex, and various Robotic extraction methods, ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer, ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer, ABI SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer, ABI 7500 RT PCR instrument (QuantiFiler Duo or Trio), ABI QuantStudio5 RT PCR instrument, GlobalFiler, YFiler, YfilerPlus, IdentiFiler, IdentiFiler Plus, and/or MiniFiler, amplification systems, GeneMapper ID-X software and STRMix or other probabilistic genotyping analysis software.
• Experience validating serological test methods, DNA instrumentation, software, and extraction protocols, CODIS software, and STRMix and/or Probabilistic Genotyping software.
• Experience using JusticeTrax LIMS system and/ another LIMS system. Experience with courtroom testimony.

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