JOB TITLE: FORENSIC DNA SCIENTIST 1

JOB CODE: 72056

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Forensic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Scientist job series describes work involving the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA.

DEFINITION: This is professional laboratory work in the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA.

An employee in this job performs work of limited complexity in the chemical and biological analysis and comparison of human DNA samples and evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. Work involves independent identification and analysis of DNA samples collected from known individuals; analysis of DNA criminal casework of limited complexity; and participation in ongoing training and practical exercises designed to further develop skills in the analysis of forensic DNA casework. Work is performed in a State Police forensic DNA laboratory and includes preparing analytical reports associated with evidence processed, maintaining evidence chain of custody, providing expert testimony at court proceedings, and maintaining laboratory equipment and reagents. Work is assigned by a professional supervisor and reviewed by professional laboratory staff for quality, completeness, technical merit, and compliance with laboratory policies and standards.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower level job by the professional scientific analysis of human DNA evidence that is limited in variety and scope.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Performs chemical and biological techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, and capillary electrophoresis.

• Collects, preserves, and handles evidence and convicted offender samples, and documents evidence chain of custody.

• Identifies and analyzes DNA samples collected from known individuals.

• Maintains and compares DNA profile information in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

• Isolates, extracts, and amplifies human DNA from forensic casework that involves large amounts of cellular material.

• Conducts forensic DNA analysis of criminal cases that involve a small number of pieces of evidence from which results can be easily obtained.

• Performs practical exercises and supervised casework that are assigned to develop proficiency in conducting forensic DNA analysis of a wide variety of evidentiary material.

• Participates in comparing known and unknown DNA profiles and statistically interprets the results as a match, nonmatch, or inconclusive.

• Prepares detailed records of analysis and findings that are compliant with laboratory policies and the laws governing the admissibility of evidence in court.

• Testifies in court proceedings by providing facts, conclusions, and opinions regarding processed evidence.

• Participates in conducting validation tests of new DNA equipment, technologies, and procedures prior to receiving approval for use.

• Conducts performance checks and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Inspects reagents and supplies common to the forensic DNA discipline to ensure that they meet quality standards and specifications.

• Travels to and from courts of law.

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other training and developmental activities.

• Reviews pertinent operational manuals, textbooks, journals, periodicals, and other documents.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative biochemical and chemical analysis.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the analysis and comparison of chemical and biological substances and materials.

• Knowledge of biochemical and chemical laboratory equipment and materials.

• Ability to perform complex calculations to make comparative assessments of relevant data and evidence to yield final results.

• Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough laboratory reports of analysis and findings.

• Ability to read and interpret technical material.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee program (commonwealth title);

or

• Successful completion of the Forensic Scientist Trainee program (commonwealth title) and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics;

or

• One year of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical, or biological analysis and comparison of substances or materials, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics.