DNA Technical Leader

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises quality assurance and control programs, ensuring compliance with Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation requirements. Evaluates non-conformance issues in programs, manages corrective actions, and ensures proficiency testing programs are implemented. Troubleshoots and resolves analytical, technical, and instrumentation issues, ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation requirements, initiating, suspending, and resuming DNA analytical operations as needed. Reviews technical publications and presentations to remain current on advancements in DNA analysis and apply relevant policies and procedures.
• Researches and assesses new technologies, designs internal validation studies, and recommends implementation for use on forensic DNA casework. Approves technical specifications for maintenance, service, and outsourcing agreements. Reviews, approves, and implements the equipment calibration program, ensuring compliance to operational standards.
• Ensures optimized laboratory performance by assisting with the hiring, training, and coaching of employees. Assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities, and makes recommendations for disciplinary action. Evaluates and supervises employee performance, identifies opportunities and personnel issues, and facilitates resolutions. Develops training plans for DNA unit personnel, documents progress evaluations, and ensures necessary re-training. Reviews and verifies academic transcripts for new forensic DNA personnel, ensuring their compliance with the training program, competency development, and adherence to continuing education requirements. Reviews and updates the Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the unit. Reviews timecards, leave requests, and coordinates the work in DNA unit. Assists with resource allocation, communicating needs with leadership including grant funding, budget and equipment needs.
• Ensures compliance with accreditation requirements during audits of the laboratory by reviewing audit documents and addressing findings. Provides audit documentation and communicates necessary corrective action to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for approval of laboratory’s continued participation in federal programs and grants.
• Performs DNA analysis on evidence related to investigations, utilizing advanced instrumentation and robotics for liquid handling. Quantifies DNA using advanced methods, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). Examines, identifies, and evaluates potential evidence utilizing physical, chemical, microscopic, and molecular biology visualization techniques. Interprets complex genetic data using Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) software and provides statistical analysis for inclusion or exclusion in casework. Determines DNA profiles suitable for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database to provide possible investigative leads. Authors technical case reports and reviews casework performed by forensic DNA personnel, ensuring compliance with QAS.
• Prepares exhibits for courtroom, communicates with officers and attorneys, and provides expert courtroom testimony regarding DNA analysis. Accompanies forensic scientists delivering expert testimonies, evaluates their performance and provides feedback.
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders including law enforcement, criminal justice agencies and the public when applicable. Gathers data from various information systems to resolve issues related to DNA analysis and respond to information requests from customers. Delivers crime laboratory tours and training for commissioned and professional personnel, educational institutions, and the public. Provides training to law enforcement partners such as forensic nurse examiners and victim advocates. Participates in state and national technical working groups on forensic DNA analysis and research.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Candidates must have a master’s degree in a biology-, chemistry- or forensic science-related area. The DNA Technical Leader must have successfully completed nine (9) credit hours of coursework in biology- or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis. The DNA Technical Leader must have successfully completed coursework in statistics or population genetics. The required coursework shall include at least one graduate level course.
• At least 3 years of forensic human DNA laboratory experience obtained in a Forensic DNA casework laboratory as a qualified analyst (current or previous) on forensic samples.
• Most current FBI-sponsored auditor training must be completed within 1 year of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment of this position.
• The DNA Technical Leader must be currently or previously qualified analyst in each technology utilized in the laboratory, or have documented training in each technology utilized in the laboratory within one year of appointment.
• Successful completion of a background check by the FBI is required for use of the CODIS database.
• Terminal Operator Certification Level C – Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) must be obtained within six (6) months of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this position.
• Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.
• Completion of the ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) Forensic Internal Auditor or External Assessor ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• Completion of the FBI’s DNA auditor training course.
• Completion of 40 hours of continuing education and development specific to leadership, management and training, from the following providers American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD), Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), GAP Science, City of Tucson Ignite or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience with assisting with and/or performing validations in a forensic DNA setting.
• Demonstrated experience with conducting internal audits.
• Demonstrated experience with conducting external assessments.

Minimum Qualifications
Masters degree

• Three (3) years of directly related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area.
• At least 3 years of forensic human DNA laboratory experience obtained in a Forensic DNA casework laboratory as a qualified analyst (current or previous) on forensic samples.

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