What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Leader position at Bode Technology?
Job Summary
Bode Technology, the leading provider of forensic DNA services, is seeking an energetic and experienced Technical Leader to join the operations team at Bode’s laboratory facility in Lorton, VA. The Technical Leader will oversee all technical operations of the laboratory and provide final resolution of technical issues. The Technical Leader will also perform technical reviews of forensic evidence, reference samples and human remains. Must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a qualified and proficient human DNA Analyst in an accredited forensic laboratory testing forensic samples. If you have the leadership and experience for this position, we would love to hear from you.
Description
The responsibilities of the Technical Leader include conducting or directing DNA analysis on casework evidence, reference, database and human remains samples and providing technical oversight of all forensic testing operations at Bode. The Technical Leader will evaluate existing procedures, establish new procedures, initiate validation projects, review and approve all validations and protocol changes. Must maintain external proficiency and testify in court when needed. Experience with Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) strongly preferred. Experience with next generation sequencing (NGS)/massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Oversee technical operations of the laboratory and provide final resolution of technical issues; provide technical strategic leadership and planning
- Authority to initiate, suspend, and resume technical operations for the laboratory or an individual
- Responsible for evaluation of existing procedures, establishment of new procedures, review and approval of all validations, and approval of changes to existing protocols
- Initiates validation projects that will improve efficiency, increase the quality or decrease the cost of a process. Evaluate and approve all new and modified methods
- Reviews training records and also their qualifications prior to independent casework or database analysis. Review, verify and approve academic transcripts for newly hired/qualified technologists, analysts and technical reviewers
- Stay abreast of technical developments in the field
- Successfully complete Bode’s internal DNA Analyst training program to include written and verbal competency exam and moot court. Must be a 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
- Review, on an annual basis, the procedures of the laboratory
- Effectively troubleshoot results and validation data
- Perform technical and administrative case reviews
- Maintain proficiency in DNA analysis through bi-annual external proficiency tests
- Review DNA audit documents and initiate, review and approve corrective actions
- Periodic travel for continuing education or court testimony
Position Requirements
- MS degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area including at least 12 credit hours skills in the subjects of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics or population genetics. The 12 credit hours must include at least one graduate level course registering three or more credit hours.
- 3 total years of experience as a qualified and proficient DNA analyst in an accredited laboratory required, 7 years preferred
- Previous management experience strongly preferred
- Familiarity with accreditation standards – must have already completed the FBI QAS auditor training or complete the course within one year of appointment; ISO assessor training is a plus
- Experience with Probabilistic Genotyping strongly preferred
- Experience with NGS/MPS a plus
- Individual must be self-motivated, energetic and able to work in a diverse team environment
- Superior attention to detail
- Ability to concentrate and produce results with 100% accuracy
- Excellent demonstrated project management/organizational skills and ability to consistently meet or exceed deadlines and multi-task
- Strong written and oral communication
- Periodic travel for continuing education or court testimony
As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Bode Technology is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.