Forensic DNA Analyst (#MGBD01)

Senior Forensic DNA Analyst (#MGBD02)

This class series uses two levels in the Agriculture Natural Resources and Sciences occupational group, Sciences occupational series and describes scientific analysis of biological evidence and/or reference samples for the presence of DNA in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and standards.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates the Forensic DNA Analyst and Senior Forensic DNA Analyst levels.  The Forensic DNA Analyst level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels.  Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level.  Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Performs analytical tests which may include serological and/or DNA analysis, in accordance with policies and standard operating procedures.
• Applies and ensures strict chain of custody procedures in handling, analysis and preservation of evidence and/or reference samples.
• Operates and maintains complex laboratory equipment used in forensic DNA analysis.
• Interprets data and may prepare written reports on findings and conclusions of laboratory analysis for use in court proceedings.
• Evaluates and validates all new methods of analysis.
• May give expert testimony at a variety of legal proceedings regarding findings and observations.
• Participates in proficiency testing programs of forensic serology and/or DNA analysis.

Forensic DNA Analyst

This is the first level.

• Reports to a technical superior.
• Performs the full range of essential functions.

Senior Forensic DNA Analyst

This is the lead level.

• Performs qualitative and quantitative characterizations of diverse and complex samples.
• Plans, coordinates and oversees laboratory analyses associated with forensic DNA testing.
• Selects the methods and procedures, schedules and conducts or oversees the conduct of various complex analytical tests that will provide technically sound and legally defensible information.
• Performs data verification and reviews work produced by analysts and technical support staff.
• Reviews quality assurance procedures performed by analysts and technical support staff. Determines and recommends conditions for approval.
• Contacts include peers in other state and federal agencies, supply and instrument vendors, attorneys, and law enforcement officers.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of forensic serology methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of the techniques of microscopy, electrophoresis and related biochemical processes.
• Knowledge of molecular biology, genetics and DNA hybridization techniques as they apply to the analysis of forensic samples.
• Knowledge of statistical methods used in evaluating forensic serological and DNA data.
• Knowledge of chain of custody procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Knowledge of presenting and defending sworn expert testimony
• Skill in the handling and disposal of biological waste.
• Skill in the methods and techniques of recording, documenting, interpreting and reporting laboratory analysis.
• Skill in performing and interpreting serological and DNA analysis effectively and efficiently.
• Skill in forensic serology methods and procedures.
• Skill in presenting and defending sworn expert testimony.
• Ability to develop, select and adapt new laboratory procedures as related to forensic serology and DNA analysis.
• Ability to describe technical information in lay terms.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Senior Forensic DNA Analyst requires

• Skill in the techniques of microscopy, electrophoresis and related biochemical processes.
• Skill in quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Skill in preparing technical reports and results in a format for presentation in courts of law.
• Skill in developing, selecting and adapting new laboratory procedures as related to forensic serology and DNA analysis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Senior Forensic DNA Analyst
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or related field and successfully completed college course work (graduate or undergraduate level) in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Molecular Genetics, Recombinant DNA Technology) or other subjects which provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis, as well as course work in Statistics or Population Genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
2. Two years' experience in performing and interpreting serology and DNA analysis.
3. Six months experience in technical report writing.
4. Knowledge of presenting and defending sworn expert testimony.