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DNA Analyst Lead CODIS Administrator

Category: Exempt
Pay Grade: E22
Job Code: 21892

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs professional work involving scientific evaluation for suspected biological material and administratively manages all aspects of the laboratory’s access to the Pinellas County Forensic DNA Laboratory’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) network to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations; provides scientific analysis, interpretation, technical review and court testimony related to evidentiary items submitted to Pinellas County Forensic Lab; participates in the quality assurance processes associated with laboratory operations; provides leadership in the advancement of laboratory activities. Work is performed under general supervision of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory Director as a part of the Medical Examiner’s Office and the Bureau Director, Justice/ Consumer Services, and is reviewed through observation of results obtained, conferences and periodic reports or evaluations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)

• Administratively manages the CODIS Operations;
• Ensures compliance with National DNA Index System (NDIS) procedures;
• Ensures CODIS compliance with FBI Guidance Document for FBI Quality Assurance Standard (QAS);
• Ensures CODIS compliance with ISO/EIC 17025 and related supplementary accreditation documents;
• Manages training programs on the use of CODIS;
• Coordinates with other CODIS Administrators at the state and national level;
• Conducts routine and complex analysis of evidentiary samples;
• Conducts reviews of QC data associated with analytical batches;
• Conducts technical reviews of analytical casework;
• Evaluates and interprets observations and calculations;
• Authors reports of analysis;
• Provides information, interpretations and/or opinions related to the results of testing for court and investigative purposes;
• Testifies in court to findings and interpretations in an objective manner;
• Participates in QA/QC activities including method validations, standards review, and QC monitoring;
• Provides new analyst training;
• Maintains required certification;
• Obtains a minimum of eight (8) hours of discipline related continuing education per year;
• Conducts routine laboratory functions to maintain supply inventories and clean workspaces;
• Maintains and improves the efficiency of laboratory operations;
• Provides liaison/training to community and agency stakeholders;
• Manages projects;
• Maintains annual proficiency testing requirements;
• Mentors other analysts;
• Documents case related activities in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
• Manages non-casework laboratory projects including validations as assigned/requested;
• Serves on laboratory committees or provides unique specialty functions;
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, forensic science, biology, or other physical science which includes/supplements 30 credit hours in either chemistry and/or biology from an accredited college or university; and specific undergraduate or graduate coursework in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology; and coursework and/or documented training in statistics; and two (2) years’ experience in forensic DNA casework from an ISO/EIC accredited laboratory; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):

• Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• American Board of Criminalistics Forensic DNA Analysis or Molecular Biology Certification (within two years of appointment or eligibility).
• Candidates are subject to a thorough background investigation which may involve both criminal and financial histories.
• Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of CODIS Operations Manual;
• Knowledge of NDIS regulation;
• Knowledge of FBI QAS Document;
• Knowledge of PCFL Quality Manual Documents including discipline related policies and methods;
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and AR3125;
• Knowledge of applicable Registry Documents;
• Knowledge of applicable Standards;
• Knowledge of discipline related validation documents;
• Knowledge of terminology, principles and analytical techniques used in discipline-specific forensic analyses;
• Knowledge of proper processes for maintaining the integrity of evidence submitted for laboratory analysis;
• Knowledge of court proceedings as they apply to expert witness testimony;
• Knowledge of state laws and rules of evidence as they apply to laboratory related activities;
• Knowledge of the use of laboratory information management software (LIMS);
• Ability to present clear, factual testimony in court;
• Ability to analyze results, formulate conclusions and present verbal and/or written findings;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective positive working relationships with co-workers and stakeholders;
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend scientific and technical reports, abstracts and documents such as memos, safety rules, evaluations, letters, laws and regulations;
• Ability to act with discretion and confidentiality.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
• Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
• Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.