JOB TITLE: FORENSIC DNA SCIENTIST 2

JOB CODE: 72057

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 advanced professional laboratory work in the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA.

An employee in this job performs independent casework involving the most complex chemical and biological analysis and comparison of human DNA samples and evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. Work involves independent analysis of forensic DNA casework; independent identification and analysis of DNA samples collected from known individuals; and reviewing casework processed by other laboratory staff. Work may include conducting validation tests of new DNA equipment, technologies, and procedures. Work is performed in a State Police forensic DNA laboratory and includes independently 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 next lower level job based on independent responsibility for performing advanced scientific analysis of DNA casework characterized by a variety of evidentiary material and numerous evidence items per case. Work involves scientific analysis of the full range of evidence associated with forensic DNA casework.

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 routine and advanced scientific analysis of casework that involves the full range of evidence and examination techniques associated with the DNA discipline area.

• Conducts technical and administrative reviews of DNA casework processed by other scientists by examining records of analysis and analytical reports to either concur with actions taken and concluded results or return for correction or further analysis.

• Examines criminal evidence which is, or is expected to be, of significant interest to the news media or judicial system.

• Interacts with criminal investigators, legal authorities, and other laboratories regarding evidence to be examined and the results of analysis.

• Isolates, extracts, and amplifies human DNA from a wide variety of evidentiary material.

• Applies chemical and biological techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, and capillary electrophoresis to the analysis of human DNA.

• Compares 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.

• Identifies and analyzes DNA samples collected from known individuals.

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

• Conducts 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.

• Serves as an information resource to lower-level staff and provides guidance in the completion of work assignments.

• 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 chemical and biological techniques used in the analysis of human DNA.

• Knowledge of the procedures associated with maintaining evidence chain of custody.

• Knowledge of the procedures associated with testifying in a court of law.

• 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)

• One year as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1 (commonwealth title);

or

• One year as a Forensic Scientist 1 (commonwealth title), and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics;

or

• Two years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA evidence, 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.