Serology/DNA Operations Technician

Duties

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct scientific laboratory examinations and analyses of specimens submitted by forensic pathologists and law enforcement officers from medico-legal and criminal cases.
• May prepare written reports that support the analytical findings and provide testimony as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
• Maintain at least a minimum level of productivity as determined by Forensic Genetics Laboratory Director.
• Participate in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols.
• Successfully complete proficiency testing requirements.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments.
• Train new lab employees as delegated by the Forensic Genetics Director.
• Participate in peer review of cases.
• Assist in ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with the ANAB accreditation standards and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
• Maintain American Board of Criminalistics certification and meet ANAB standards and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards by attending continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and professional meetings.
• Follow rigorously all Safety, Method Manual, and Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocols.
• Trace Evidence DNA Collection Team duties as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned by the Forensic Genetics Director or the Crime Laboratory Director.

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

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or a related field of physical science.
• Successful completion of a minimum of nine semester hours (or equivalent) of coursework in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
• College coursework in the subject areas of statistics and/or population genetics.

Experience:

• One year of laboratory experience.
• A graduate level degree can substitute for the required laboratory experience.

Certification & Licensure:

• American Board of Criminalistics certification is required within two years of hire date.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• The job requires work with laboratory chemicals and various biological fluids – potential exposure to blood borne pathogens
• Upon employment, the employee shall take and pass the licensure examination provided by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Refer to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule §651.207 for additional licensure requirements.

Preferences

• Education: Master of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or a related field of physical science with successful completion of a minimum of nine semester hours (or equivalent) of coursework in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
• Experience: Experience with evidence screening, DNA extraction, quantification, PCR amplification of STR fragments, and ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer and/or ABI 3100 Genetic Analyzer.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of forensic DNA principles, laboratory techniques and technology.
• Knowledge of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, and capillary electrophoresis methods.
• Knowledge of biological evidence collection and preservation techniques, rules of evidence, forensic serology, basic human anatomy and physiology, and basic laboratory safety.
• Computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) and familiarity with database applications such as Justice Trax, LIMS, and CODIS.
• Membership in one or more professional forensic organizations and certification in a related area from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC).

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