Job Details

Position Purpose:

The incumbent is responsible for performing DNA testing for forensic casework while complying with client and company requirements. Will work as part of a highly motivated team to process high-quality casework in a timely and efficient manner. Focus is on quality, meeting client deadlines, flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, and customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as batch lead on batches, directly oversee the progression of cases in their assigned batch. This includes managing troubleshooting, answering questions from technicians/analysts assigned to their batch, ensuring that reads are done in a timely manner, and that data are ready for report writers in a timely manner.
• Make sound scientific decisions.
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of DNA results from diverse matrices and DNA template level for both single source and mixture results, including using probabilistic genotyping where appropriate.
• Prepare reagents, conduct QC testing, and conduct performance checks as assigned.
• Adhere to quality assurance practices.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries orally and in writing.
• Perform CE reads and SAQ reads (including second reads).
• Write forensic DNA reports.
• Complete assignments within the designated timeframe.
• Organize assigned activities to maximize efficiency, and alert management when technical or schedule problems arise.
• Provide expert testimony in a court of law, must be able to travel by air.
• Perform technical reviews on casework.
• Support validation tasks as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Incumbent must meet the DNA analyst requirements specified in the FBI QAS regarding education and experience.
• Read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Possess the ability to calculate statistics associated with casework
• Possess sound reasoning skills and regularly show ability to follow detailed standard instructions, with great attention to detail and guidance from company policy manuals and forensic SOPs
• Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office; specifically Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access; instrument software (i.e., AB7500, AB3500xL); and data analysis software associated with DNA testing (i.e., GeneMapper ID-X and STRmix)
• Use the STACS-CW tracking software for casework and maintenance activities
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences

Education/Experience:

Must meet the DNA Analyst requirements specified in the FBI QAS regarding education and experience. Should have at least four years of progressively responsible and complex experience as a qualified DNA analyst; typical level is 7-15 years. A Ph.D. from an accredited institution in a related technical discipline may be considered equivalent to four years of work experience, a Master's degree may be considered equivalent to two years of work experience.

Certificates and Licenses:

Must be willing and eligible to obtain required State Licenses for Forensic DNA Analysts as specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

Clearance:

None

Management Skills:

Helps mentor forensic technicians and DNA Analysts I and II in specific methods under the direction of the Training Coordinator or in consultation with the Training Specialist. Lead validation laboratory work and/or analysis and reporting efforts under the direction of the Validation Coordinator.

Working Conditions/ Equipment:

Required to enter data and write reports by typing on a computer.