DNA Analyst I

Job Description

Reporting and Executive Participation

Core Responsibilities (Applicable to Levels I-III)

• Examine, screen, and process evidentiary items, including presumptive and confirmatory screening, sample selection, cutting, and specialty processing (bone, petrous, teeth).
• Perform DNA extraction, purification, dilution, concentration, quantification, and amplification.
• Perform capillary electrophoresis setup and instrument operation.
• MPS-authorized analysts perform library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing runs, and bioinformatic processing.
• Run controls, evaluate quality control results against acceptance criteria, and determine acceptance of the data, including data generated by an authorized DNA Technician.

• Analyze electropherograms and sequencing data across reference, single-source, and questioned samples, partial and mixture.
• Interpret single-source profiles and mixtures.
• Perform forensic statistical calculations, including random match probability and CPI/CPE.
• Perform relationship and kinship calculations, including trio, single-parent, full sibling, and half sibling, by software and by hand.

• Prepare forensic, relationship, and database reports, subject to technical review.
• Perform administrative review and technical review within the authorized scope and level.
• Prepare for and provide court testimony when authorized.

• Maintain chain of custody, sample integrity, and accurate, complete, and defensible case documentation.
• Communicate results and case status to authorized stakeholders, and escalate technical questions to the Technical Leader.
• Prepare reagents and solutions, and perform routine maintenance, equipment checks, and calibration as assigned.
• In the absence of an assigned DNA Technician, perform evidence reception, handling, recordkeeping, and facility cleaning and monitoring tasks.
• Follow safety, security, and contamination prevention requirements.
• Participate in continuing education, proficiency testing, competency assessments, and required meetings.
• Comply with all laboratory policies, quality requirements, and ethical standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Technical Leader or the Laboratory Director of Operations within the scope, training, and authorization of the analyst, preserving the functional independence set in the MUFSC Governance and Authority Framework.

Additional Responsibilities by Level

• Independently perform, interpret, and report routine casework.
• Document and refer non-routine casework to a Level II or higher analyst or to the responsible technical authority.
• Perform administrative review, technical review of worksheets and work forms, and technical review of case files and reports for single-source results, negative results, and direct comparisons including paternity trios.
• Participate in training, validations, and method implementation.

Skills and Abilities

• Forensic human DNA laboratory experience commensurate with authorized responsibilities.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory policy, operational procedures, and quality procedures.
• Working knowledge of approved interpretation guidelines and quality control acceptance criteria.

• Bachelor’s degree, or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area.
• Successful completion of at least nine (9) credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis.
• Successful completion of coursework covering statistics or population genetics.

• Forensic human DNA laboratory experience commensurate with authorized responsibilities.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory policy, operational procedures, and quality procedures.
• Working knowledge of approved interpretation guidelines and quality control acceptance criteria.