JOB TITLE: FORENSIC DNA SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 72058

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

An employee in this job supervises professional staff engaged in chemical and biological analysis and comparison of human DNA samples and evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. Work is performed in a State Police forensic DNA laboratory and includes assigning and reviewing the analysis of casework and DNA samples collected from known individuals; providing technical assistance to laboratory staff; assisting in the training of employees; and monitoring compliance with quality assurance, accreditation, and legal requirements. Work may include supervising the conduct of validation tests of new DNA equipment, technologies, and procedures. Work also involves performing complex examinations for the full range of evidence associated with the forensic DNA discipline; preparing analytical reports associated with evidence processed; and providing courtroom testimony. Work is received from the laboratory manager and analysis is performed with considerable independence in accordance with scientific principles and applicable examination techniques. Work is reviewed by professional laboratory staff for quality, completeness, technical merit, and compliance with laboratory policies and standards.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work at this level involves supervising positions at the Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee, 1, and/or 2 levels and may include supervising technical positions at lower levels.

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.)

• Assigns forensic DNA casework and the analysis of DNA samples to subordinate staff based on complexity, existing workload, and priorities.

• Provides technical advice and guidance to subordinate staff regarding the isolation, extraction, amplification, and analysis of human DNA included within a wide variety of evidentiary material.

• Provides technical advice and guidance to subordinate staff regarding the comparison of known and unknown DNA profiles and the statistical interpretation of the results as a match, nonmatch, or inconclusive.

• Evaluates subordinates’ detailed case records of analysis and findings for compliance with laboratory policies and the laws governing the admissibility of evidence in court.

• Participates in the training and evaluation of employees assigned to the forensic human DNA discipline.

• Monitors quality assurance and safety practices for compliance with laboratory, accreditation, and legislative requirements.

• Assigns proficiency tests to subordinates.

• Participates in completing corrective action processes for subordinates whose proficiency test or casework results are not in conformance with standards.

• Monitors and ensures compliance with established chain of custody procedures for the receipt, storage, handling, and return of DNA evidence.

• Testifies in court proceedings or observes and evaluates courtroom testimony provided by subordinates.

• Supervises the performance or validation of tests for new DNA equipment, technologies, and procedures prior to their implementation.

• Performs advanced scientific analysis of casework that involves the full range of evidence and examination techniques associated with the forensic human DNA discipline.

• Travels to and from courts of law.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• 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 statistics.

• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in the analysis of DNA evidence.

• Knowledge of equipment and materials used in a forensic DNA laboratory.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of quality assurance.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of laboratory safety.

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

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

• 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 written 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)

• Two years as a Forensic DNA Scientist 2 (commonwealth title);

or

• Four 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.