Forensic DNA Technician

Amentum•Dover, DE

2d•$50,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The entry-level Forensic DNA Technician (Forensic Scientist I – FSI) will perform DNA analysis on a wide range of complex samples in support of the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) in Dover, DE. The FSI will be responsible for performing analysis of forensic evidence in accordance with laboratory accreditation and standard operating procedures. This role is essential for effective laboratory operations and requires collaboration and productivity with laboratory staff and management. It is crucial to prioritize job responsibilities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring excellent customer service.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in forensic science or in physical or life sciences.
Successfully completed course work (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology; and course work and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
Must successfully complete a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NAC-I) background investigation.
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
Must be self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to work well in a team laboratory environment.
Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
Familiar with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
A resume and a copy of unofficial transcripts must be submitted.

Responsibilities

Assisting in program maintenance and development at the direction of their designated supervisor.
Supporting investigative studies on biological materials using DNA typing technologies.
Supporting the logistical or resource management activities of the DNA Registry
Participating in the organization and presentation of educational activities.
Accessioning forensic evidence in the Laboratory Information Management System (LISA).
Maintaining accurate and complete chain of custody for evidence.
Entering data into LISA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiners Tracking System (AFMETS).
Preparing correspondence/documents ensuring proper format, mathematical correctness, grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in preparation for or editing of recurring reports regarding case status and case tracking.
Preparing reagents and maintain documentation of reagent prep and Quality Control testing in accordance with SOPs.
Performing laboratory housekeeping activities such as preparing common laboratory reagents.
Maintaining appropriate stock levels of expendable supplies and maintaining a clean environment within laboratory work areas.
Assisting in casework involving nucDNA and mtDNA typing and profiling procedures.
Supporting validation projects focusing on systems with increased sensitivity and discrimination power and advanced development of automated systems.
Supporting research projects focusing on various research projects to include population databasing and working to increase sensitivity, discrimination power, and automated systems for casework applications.