What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic DNA Analyst position at City of Colorado Springs?
About the Job:
In this position, you will conduct forensic examinations on evidence submitted to the Metro Crime Lab for the purposes of recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of the physical evidence pertaining to the investigation of a criminal act. In addition, perform all aspects of forensic DNA laboratory casework on evidentiary materials, including evaluation and preparation of evidence, DNA typing, interpretation of analytical results, preparation of case reports, and expert testimony. This position is assigned to the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Laboratory, which is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab.
There are two open positions for DNA Analyst. One position is funded by the general fund and one is funded by a grant. The grant funded position is a special, at-will position with expected funding through March 2026.
In this position, you will conduct forensic examinations on evidence submitted to the Metro Crime Lab for the purposes of recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of the physical evidence pertaining to the investigation of a criminal act. In addition, perform all aspects of forensic DNA laboratory casework on evidentiary materials, including evaluation and preparation of evidence, DNA typing, interpretation of analytical results, preparation of case reports, and expert testimony. This position is assigned to the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Laboratory, which is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab.
There are two open positions for DNA Analyst. One position is funded by the general fund and one is funded by a grant. The grant funded position is a special, at-will position with expected funding through March 2026.
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As a Forensic DNA Analyst, you will:
- Examines evidence items to identify, preserve, collect, and photograph samples for analysis
- Perform presumptive and confirmatory testing on samples from a variety of evidence types related to various criminal cases.
- Collects trace evidence
- Perform forensic DNA analysis from DNA extraction, quantification, and PCR setup, through analysis using specialized analytical instrumentation to develop DNA profiles.
- Interprets the scientific data gathered and prepares meaningful reports in a manner to be presented to a judge and jury in a court of law.
- Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings
- Documents, handles, packages, and receives evidence to maintain chain of custody in accordance with forensic practices under state and federal laws
- Conduct technical reviews of serological and DNA analysis done by other qualified analysts.
- Provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local court proceedings on actual results of serology and DNA testing conducted.
- Perform other duties by discussing cases and functions of the lab with officers, detectives, and attorneys.
- Instructs others in forensics, DNA evidence collections and provides training seminars
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships
- Interacts effectively with others, to include other analysts in the DNA Unit as well as the laboratory
- May perform duties as a local CODIS administrator
- Extensive knowledge of modern forensic equipment and procedures
- Extensive knowledge of the workflow of a forensic crime lab
- Considerable knowledge of criminal law, criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence
- Knowledge of DNA QAS documents and ISO 17025:2017 standards
- Knowledge and use of the CODIS database systems
- Knowledge of DNA statistical calculations
- Knowledge of computers and commonly used software programs
- Ability to give professional expert testimony in courts of law
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, and other law enforcement/judicial personnel
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English, to include public speaking
- Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision making
- Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff
- Ability to get along with others
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field of study.
- Three years of full-time, professional experience in a related field. Examples of related fields include experience in a laboratory performing STR forensics DNA testing for the identification and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters, including the successful analysis of a range of samples typically encountered in forensic casework.
One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.
- Graduate degree in related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to necessary DNA discipline specific requirements (continuing education, proficiency testing, etc.) for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and /NDIS participation requirements.
- Three or more years of casework experience in an ISO 17025:2017 accredited DNA laboratory performing serological examination and DNA analysis.
- Experience with Organic, Chelex, and various Robotic extraction methods, ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer, ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer, ABI SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer, ABI 7500 RT PCR instrument (QuantiFiler Duo or Trio), ABI QuantStudio5 RT PCR instrument, GlobalFiler, YFiler, YfilerPlus, IdentiFiler, IdentiFiler Plus, and/or MiniFiler, amplification systems, GeneMapper ID-X software and STRMix or other probabilistic genotyping analysis software.
- Experience validating serological test methods, DNA instrumentation, software, and extraction protocols, CODIS software, and STRMix and/or Probabilistic Genotyping software.
- Experience using JusticeTrax LIMS system and/ another LIMS system. Experience with courtroom testimony.
Environmental Conditions - Work is performed in an office or laboratory setting and includes working with biohazardous materials, mildly toxic or corrosive chemicals, and instrumentation carrying high voltages.
The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a polygraph examination, extensive background check, and other pre-employment assessments.
Applicants that have used marijuana within 3 months from the posting closing date will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department's Marijuana Use Policy can be found at https://coloradosprings.gov/police-department/page/marijuana-use?mlid=5091
This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.
The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a polygraph examination, extensive background check, and other pre-employment assessments.
Applicants that have used marijuana within 3 months from the posting closing date will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department's Marijuana Use Policy can be found at https://coloradosprings.gov/police-department/page/marijuana-use?mlid=5091
This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.
Salary : $6,539 - $7,850
