DNA Analyst

• - TX-Austin
• Austin, TX, USA
• Full Time

Position Summary:   The incumbent will functionally report to the Unit Supervisor, and will conduct serological and DNA testing and testimony. Outside of testing, other routine and non-routine duties will be performed as needed by the forensic DNA practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform work wearing appropriate PPE for the activity being performed, and maintain awareness of contamination control.
• Ensure that chain of custody documentation is complete and accurate.
• Perform DNA analysis on samples with diverse matrices and various levels of template DNA to include touch DNA samples.
• Extract DNA using multiple extraction procedures including differential extraction, quantify on a Real-Time PCR instrument, amplify using current, validated amplification kits, and analyze samples on current genetic analyzer platforms.
• Utilize and maintain a variety of modern scientific equipment such as Real-Time PCR, thermocyclers, and genetic analyzers.
• Make sound scientific decisions with regard to DNA scientific results obtained.
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of DNA results from diverse matrices and DNA template level for both single source and mixture results.
• Incorporate and expand quality assurance principles into the laboratory operation.
• Respond to inquiries orally and in writing, including those internally and from clients.
• Prepare forensic reports.
• Provide expert testimony in a court of law.
• Perform maintenance tasks as requested.
• Perform technical reviews on casework.

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must have excellent attention to detail and follow through, and must communicate effectively.

Education/Experience: Incumbent must meet the DNA analyst requirements specified in the FBI QAS regarding education and experience.

Language Ability: Incumbent must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English. Incumbent must be able to read and comprehend short correspondence and memos, and write short correspondence for both internal and external consumption.

Math Ability: Incumbent must possess the ability to calculate statistics associated with casework.

Reasoning Ability: Incumbent must 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.

Computer Skills:Incumbent must 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).

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The incumbent will work in a laboratory environment that may require wearing PPE and standing for extended periods of time. Will also be required to enter data and write reports by typing on a computer.
• The incumbent will have potential contact with hazardous materials, including biological fluids.
• The incumbent will be required to work a set schedule negotiated with the supervisor.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The incumbent must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance and 40 pounds with assistance to handle evidence.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.