Chemistry Technician

Duties

Description of Duties:

• 25% Performs quality assurance responsibilities & in-house maintenance for laboratory equipment and instrumentation to fulfill internal and external quality requirements. Completes necessary documentation and reports. Develops, revises, and maintains methods to ensure quality conformance. Complies with policies and procedures outlined in the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) Quality Assurance Manual and Safety Manual as well as the BFS DNA program manuals. Follows the laboratory’s quality system and accreditation requirements. Performs work in accordance with ANAB criteria and FBI Quality Assurance Standards that govern forensic DNA analysis.
• 20% Prepares and quality control checks quantification standards requiring amplification of total human and male DNA. Performs Quality Control duties including the preparation of solutions and reagents used by the DNA Forensic Scientists in their analyses, the quality control those solutions and reagents, and the receipt/inventory of chemicals and equipment. Assures the accuracy, documentation and precision of all DNA solutions through a comprehensive QA/QC program.
• 15% Receives and inventories tissue samples taken from individuals convicted of offenses specified by law for DNA databasing analysis. Logs in these samples according to chain of custody procedures, assigns unique bar codes, and prepares samples for processing. Packages and seals samples for long-term storage following automated DNA processing. Performs the scanning and verification of information associated with DNA database samples for tracing purposes. Assists in the mailing of database kits to collecting agencies. Presenting information in court.
• 15% Performance checks all temperature sensitive equipment; cleans and sterilizes glassware and plastic ware as required; wipes down bench tops daily with antiseptic; secures chemical and biochemical waste for disposal; and escorts visitors and contractors. Prepares all biohazardous and chemical waste for proper disposal.
• 10% Verifies and documents calibrations / repairs performed by outside vendors for a majority of laboratory equipment to fulfill internal and external quality requirements. Performs Performance Checks as deemed necessary. Completes necessary documentation and reports.
• 10% Completes miscellaneous tasks necessary for the operation of the DNA laboratory. Including but not limited to calculating data, ordering, receipt, inventory and storage of biochemical and non-chemical supplies; the escorting visitors and contractors; and the updating of solution protocols.
• 5% Performs other related duties as assigned, to include those found in Enclosure 3 of the Bureau of Forensic Services Continuity of Government plan when the Department’s CoG Plan is activated. Responds to the designated alternate or secondary location when directed in response to a catastrophic incident.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Completion of 60 college credits including nine credits in chemistry.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass criminal history and background investigations.
• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.

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