Dna Forensic Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
This is a grant funded position.
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psc/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant&
Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment must provide documentation from a physician of:
1. Visual acuity.
All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six (6) months of the start date.
Current employees, with no acuity testing on file, must provide documentation from a physician, before starting in new position.
Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01. This applies to the following disciplines: Firearms & Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option D), Trace Evidence (Option E), Toxicology (Options F, K), Biology/DNA and CODIS (Option G), within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment.
A collegelevel statistics course is required for new hire licensing. If the applicant for Firearms & Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option D), Trace Evidence (Option E), or Toxicology (Options F, K) has not passed a collegelevel statistics course, he/she must be able to take, pass and provide official transcripts of a collegelevel statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Forensic Science Commission (FSC), at personal expense, within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment. An applicant for Biology/DNA and CODIS (Option G) must have successfully completed the course prior to application.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Forensic Scientist I: Performs (entrylevel) training on laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and identifications/associations of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Training involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results and preparing written opinion reports. Trains on testimony as an expert witness in court as to results of analyses. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Forensic Scientist II :Performs routine (journeylevel) forensic science work. Work involves conducting laboratory tests, conducting analyses, and identifying all types of physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Work involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results; establishing and maintaining records; preparing technical reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Forensic Scientist III :Performs moderately complex (journeylevel) forensic science work. Work involves conducting laboratory analyses on database samples or physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Work involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results; establishing and maintaining records; preparing technical reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PublicSafety.pdf
Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
Forensic Scientist I:
1. Develops communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with agencies and other customers regarding sensitive information related to the offense and/or analyses being done.
2. Learns how to use the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for purposes of evidentiary documentation, chain of custody, analysis, and other metrics within the laboratory.
3. Learns how to prepare reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
4. Learns how to represent the discipline and the results of analysis in testimony and may serve as an expert witness in court.
5. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with the agency leave and attendance policies
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
7. Reads required training materials, performs observed and supervised exercises, completes independent exercises, and demonstrates understanding of analysis and procedures through the successful completion of competency test samples.
8. Receives instruction on the operation of complex analytical instrumentation.
9. Learns and performs basic analyses of biological specimens for alcohol/volatiles or drug content (Austin Laboratory only).
10. Evaluates analytical data, prepares case reports and peer reviews case reports.
11. Learns legal aspects concerning the collection, analysis, and interpretation of toxicology samples.
12. Maintains awareness of scientific literature and current research specifically related to toxicology.
Forensic Scientist II:
1. Follows strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity and the chain of custody for each item of evidence.
2. Collaborates with agencies and other customers to exchange critical information regarding evidence and associated offenses.
3. Prepares reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
4. Serves as an expert witness in court.
5. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
7. Uses complex analytical instrumentation to perform the analysis of biological specimens for alcohol/volatiles and/or drug content. (Austin Laboratory only).
8. Evaluates analytical data and prepares case reports.
9. Completes technical reviews and proficiency tests, as required.
10. Stays current with scientific literature specifically related to toxicology.
11. Performs instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and/or repair, as necessary.
Forensic Scientist III:
1. Follows strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity and the chain of custody for each item of evidence or handles individual characteristic database samples following relevant procedures.
2. Collaborates with agencies and other customers to exchange critical information regarding evidence and associated offenses. Prepares reports that convey results for the analysis performed.
3. Serves as an expert witness in court.
4. Researches forensic science field and studies current material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in forensic examinations.
5. Lectures to or instructs law enforcement groups, schools, and others at the discretion of, or, in absence of the supervisor.
6. Represents the Department at conferences and meetings.
7. Maintains professional contact with nationwide forensic examiners.
8. Performs more exacting and intricate examinations in most difficult cases and assists and teaches other examiners in the more difficult examinations.
9. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
11. Uses complex analytical instrumentation to perform the analysis of biological specimens for alcohol/volatiles and/or drug content. (Austin Laboratory only).
12. Evaluates analytical data and prepares case reports.
13. Completes technical reviews and proficiency tests, as required.
14. Stays current with scientific literature specifically related to toxicology.
15. Performs instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and/or repair, as necessary.
16. Participates in validations/performance verifications and assists in the technical aspects of quality assurance duties.
17. Demonstrates knowledge, understanding, and adherence to applicable laws/statutes, regulations, and policies.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:
Education Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a chemical, physical, biological science, chemical engineering or forensic science from an accredited university with a minimum of twentyfour (24 semester hours of chemistry that includes two (2) semesters of General Chemistry with Laboratory, two (2) semesters of Organic Chemistry with Laboratory, one (1) semester of analytical chemistry (Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Analysis), and one (1) semester in interpretive science (Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology).
Forensic science programs must be either FEPACaccredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.
Substitution Note : An applicable forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission may be substituted for the education requirements.
Experience
Forensic Scientist I : None.
Forensic Scientist II : A minimum of one (1) year of fulltime work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Forensic Scientist III : A minimum of three (3) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or the equivalent work experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
Licensure and/or Certification Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must have a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Regulatory knowledge Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Forensic Science Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to:

• Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections;
• Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management;
• Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner;
• Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant;
• Conduct testing used in examination of evidence;
• Testify in court as an expert witness.

Interpersonal Skills Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work effectively with laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multidemand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Presentation/Communication Skills Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.
Research and Comprehension Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Confidentiality and Protected Information Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Safety Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.
Travel and/or Schedule Availability for afterhour and weekend work, on occasion, may be required.
PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of