Criminalist (DNA Analyst)
GRADE: 14
SALARY: $45,604 – $71,292
POSITION TITLE: Criminalist (DNA Analyst)
DEPARTMENT: LABORATORY/IDENTIFICATION
REPORTS TO: LABORATORY MANAGER
Position Summary
This position is 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.
FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
Essential Functions
- 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 ensure 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 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.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Achieve and retain CODIS clearance while employed.
- This position will, on occasion, require working on-call shifts and/or call-backs in cases of emergency.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license while employed by the SLMPD.
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 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
Working Environment:
- Normal office environment with attending outside functions when required.
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
- Personal Computer
- Telephone
- Cell Phone
- Copier/Fax Machine
- Vehicle
PHYSICAL/VISUAL ACTIVITIES OR DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, talk, and hear.
This position requires clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and the ability to bring objects into sharp focus, while reading from a computer screen.
The job has light physical demand (primarily sedentary) requiring the employee to exert negligible force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the normal course of routine office activities.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The job description does not necessarily contain all of the actual or essential duties of this position. All job offers are contingent upon passing a medical evaluation/drug screen and criminal background check.
Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
“Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.
