DNA Analyst

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

DNA Analyst

Market Range:

BI16

Approved Date:

5/22/2023 1:28:55 PM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P3

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 3

Job Code:

100869

Job Family:

Forensics and Investigations

Sub Family:

Laboratory Analysis

Primary Purpose

Develop DNA profiles from evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies across Wake County and identify persons involved in criminal investigations. Prepare laboratory notes and reports from examination findings and testify in judicial proceedings as an expert witness in the analysis of DNA. Validate, verify, and maintain DNA laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Complete laboratory work in compliance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) DNA Quality Assurance Standards (QAS). 

•

Develop DNA profiles from evidence, interpret profiles, resolve profile mixtures using probabilistic genotyping software, create notes, author reports documenting laboratory work, review laboratory examinations and enter DNA profiles into the FBI Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

1

35%

•

Record laboratory work performed in laboratory case file, create notes and laboratory reports documenting results, and review records of DNA laboratory examinations performed by other DNA Analysts.

2

25%

•

Validate, verify, and maintain DNA laboratory instrumentation and equipment.

3

20%

•

Perform quality control duties to maintain the instrumentation and reagents necessary for the DNA laboratory environment.

4

10%

•

Testify in judicial proceedings as an expert witness.

5

10%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

P3

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 3

•

Plans and manages projects that have significant impact on Work Group and Division results OR works as a technical expert within a Medical or Scientific Discipline.

•

Shares insights and analyses that inform new processes, and/or operational plans.

•

Responsible for making improvements in processes, systems, or standards to enhance performance of the Work Group.

•

Works to influence parties within and outside of the Work Group and Division regarding projects and procedures.

•

May be responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees within the Work Group.

•

Requires advanced knowledge of the Work Group and Division typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience. May have practical knowledge of project management.

•

Within Medical or Scientific Disciplines, typically requires a doctoral degree.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor’s degree in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area with completed coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics including a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours or equivalent that cover the required subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology

•

Six months of forensic human DNA laboratory experience

•

 Must obtain professional certification in Molecular Biology, Forensic DNA Analysis, or similar area of expertise Within 24 months of eligibility.

•

 Successful completion of the FBI/QAS forensic auditor training course required within six (6) months of employment.

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Master's Degree

in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area and shall have successfully completed 12 semester or equivalent credit hours from a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics or population genetics

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above 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.

Competencies

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

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

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have an impact on the individual's work

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X