Forensic Scientist 1- DNA Technician (QC)

SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic DNA Technician in the Quality Control Section with a strong work ethic to join our team. SNA International’s team works together in pursuit of the same cause: build a safe and just world by empowering organizations in the use of forensics, biometrics and identity intelligence.

The DNA Technician in the Quality Control Section at AFDIL assists in program maintenance and development at the direction of their Validation & Quality Control Manager. The DNA Technician may perform investigative studies on biological materials using DNA typing technologies; carry out DNA typing casework in support of routine casework and special projects; and support the logistical or resource management activities of the DNA Registry and will participate in the organization and presentation of educational activities.

Critical Work Responsibilities

• Assist in the expansion of the AFDIL technical program to accelerate service work capabilities, which may include the setup and make operationally ready a wide variety of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Assist in quality assurance activities such as standards maintenance, equipment preventive maintenance, reagent quality control testing and validation, proficiency testing, and accreditation and certification.
• Perform laboratory processing using the AFDIL most current forensically validated and accredited procedures on various tissue and fluid.
• Prepare reagents and maintain documentation of reagent prep and Quality Control testing in accordance with AFDIL SOPs.
• Perform laboratory house-keeping activities such as preparing common laboratory reagents, maintaining appropriate stock levels of expendable supplies, ordering reagents/supplies when needed, recording temperatures, monitoring laboratory equipment, and general cleaning duties within the laboratory.
• Maintain accurate and complete chain of custody for evidence.
• Accession of forensic evidence in the Laboratory Information Management System (LISA); maintain accurate and complete chain of custody for evidence; responsible for data entry into LISA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiners Tracking System (AFMETS); preparation of correspondence/documents ensuring proper format, mathematical correctness, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and preparation & editing of recurring reports regarding case status and case tracking.
• Assist in developing, optimizing and/or validating new forensic DNA test methods.
• Prepare correspondence and/or documents ensuring proper format, mathematical correctness, grammar, punctuation, and spelling..
• Assist with internal and external audit preparation and participation.
• Perform service casework involving nucDNA and mtDNA quantification, typing and profiling procedures as required.
• Self-direct workflow to ensure that all duties are completed weekly.
• Generate documents and reports and assist other sections as deemed necessary by supervisor.
• Maintain Privacy Act considerations at all times in the handling of specimens and the information contained within them.
• Support validation projects focusing on systems with increased sensitivity and discrimination power and advanced development of automated systems.
• Support research projects focusing on various research projects to include population databasing and working to increase sensitivity, discrimination power, and automated systems for casework applications.
• Participate in completing required work as stated within Individual Training Plans (ITPs) to be signed off for performing laboratory procedures and data analysis.

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Biology, or Chemistry is desired or Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Must be able to successfully complete a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NAC-I).
• Have the ability to work independently on multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Possess personality traits and professionalism necessary to maintain team cohesion and to set a good working example.
• General knowledge of forensic DNA analytical methods, especially nucDNA and mtDNA profiling.
• Ability to maintain minimum standards of technical proficiency as demonstrated by acceptable performance by internal and external proficiency testing programs.
• Professional knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories of, and the skills to operate and maintain a wide variety of sophisticated analytical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of various requirements necessary for achieving or maintaining accreditation by outside inspection agencies to include the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), the DoD Mitochondrial DNA Quality Assurance Oversight Committee, and the International Standards Organization (ISO 17025 criteria).

• Sit or stand at automated computer management systems, computers or laboratory stations for extended periods of time.
• Operate automated and/or robotic instrumentation
• Perform laboratory house-keeping activities
• Work with possible exposure to noxious odors, hazardous chemicals, poisons, radioisotopes, corrosive reagents, infections tissue, and X-ray, laser and ultraviolet rays.
• The successful candidate must be self-motivated, detail oriented and able to work well in a team laboratory environment.

SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.