Criminalist (DNA Analyst)

Salary: $49,998 - $69,214

Position Grade: 14G

Department: Police Department

Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent)

Examination Number: EX1149

Location: Downtown - St. Louis, MO

Incumbents in this position are responsible for performing highly complex clinical laboratory DNA testing and analysis on secured evidence for the purposes of identification. Examples of duties include: extracting, purifying, quantitating, and typing DNA; performing preliminary stain identification and processing evidence for body fluid stains, hairs, etc.; analyzing resultant data, generating reports; and explaining DNA testing methods and interpretation of testing results to attorneys, detectives, and other interested parties.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Extract, purify, quantitate, and type DNA. Analyze resultant data and generate reports.

• Process evidence for body fluid stains, hairs, etc.; perform preliminary stain identification and sperm searches; and write reports.

• Attend pre-trial conferences and present evidential findings as an expert witness in court.

• Explain DNA testing methods and interpretation of test results to attorneys, detectives and other interested parties.

• Perform technical and administrative reviews of other analysts’ reports to insure accuracy and clarity.

• Respond to defense discoveries.

• Conduct preventive maintenance on analytical instruments.

• Assure proper care, custody and control of evidence.

• Perform QA/QC duties such as checking reagents and equipment. Implement necessary corrective action when indicated.

• Read relevant journals in order to keep current in the field.

• Attend relevant meetings and classes.

• Successfully complete two DNA proficiency tests and two biology proficiency tests per year.

• Prepare reagents and record appropriate documentation.

• Handle phone calls relating to requests for DNA typing and status of cases in progress.

• Order needed reagents and supplies.

• Regular, punctual attendance is required.

• Ability to use modern methods and professional techniques for analysis as well as the application of scientific instrumentation.

• Read and write at the required level to successfully prepare oral and written reports.

• Think clearly and logically; use scientific equipment and instrumentation to the optimum benefit of the laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to perform basic level of data analysis including the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or reference data, statutes and/or guidelines and/or group, rank, investigate and diagnose. Requires discretion in determining and referencing such to established standards to recognize interactive effects and relationships.

• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance and/or interpretation to others, such as coworkers, attorneys, detectives and other interested personnel on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations

• Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Use: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or provide simple but continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as Digital camera, alternate light source, basic computer programs, LIMS tracking system, and basic laboratory equipment. Additionally, for DNA typing duties: extraction robots, quantitation equipment, capillary electrophoresis equipment, and thermocyclers.

• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as lab reports/records, test forms, requisitions, supply inventory, procedure manuals, safety manuals, equipment operating manuals, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.

• Mathematical Aptitude: City of St. Louis Criminalist January 2023 Page 3 Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages, fractions and decimals; perform mathematical operations involving basic algebra.

• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

• Environmental Factors: Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odors, toxic/poisonous agents, disease or pathogenic substances.

• Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to lift specimen samples and lab equipment and tools weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.

• Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and odors to distinguish bacteria colonies and specimen characteristics. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

Other Requirements:

• This position will, on occasion, require working on-call shifts and/or call-backs in cases of emergency.

A Bachelor’s degree in a natural/physical science such as biology, chemistry, or a closely related field that must include coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and statistics.

Achieve and retain CODIS clearance while employed. Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less with the ability to bring objects into sharp focus. Sedentary work – exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently. Employees are required to submit to a DNA buccal swab as a condition of employment.

License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license while employed by the City of St. Louis. Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of filing application and be able to present it upon request. Please note the type of license, number, class and expiration date on the Employment Application.

Preferences:

A Master’s Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field OR 6 months of experience in a forensic DNA laboratory is highly preferred.

Scoring Components and Their Weights
Experience and Training: 100%
May be Subject to:
Background Investigation: Pass/Fail
Medical Examination: Pass/Fail

Documentation of Academic Credentials must be Submitted Upon Request

When completing the Employment History and the Educational/Training History sections of the Employment Application, please be as thorough as possible when describing your education, training and experience relating to this position. Applicants will only receive credit for their experience, training and education as shown on the application. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to a fully completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Veterans Preference Points

To be eligible for veteran's preference points, the applicant must submit a copy of their DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with the Employment Application or upon request. The Director of Personnel may, in their discretion, accept alternate documentation.

City Residence Preference Points

City residents who pass an examination for a position in the classified service and do not receive any other preference will receive a five (5) point preference on a scale of 100 points on the exam. An additional one (1) point shall be added to the passing score of City residents who receive any other preference on a scale of 100 points. City residents must have resided in the City for at least one (1) year at the time of filing their application to be eligible for the preference points.

Accommodations

If assistance with the job application is necessary based on a physical impairment, mental impairment, or otherwise, they should reach out to the Office on the Disabled with contact information. This office will not disclose any information that an applicant or employee has a disability or has discussed possible accommodations without the applicant's or employee's prior consent.