Sero / DNA Ops Technician

Harris County•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Serology / DNA Operations Technician is an entry-level position that performs serological examination of physical evidence and DNA operations casework, including DNA extraction, quantification, amplification, and data analysis. The Sero/Ops Technician may be called to provide expert testimony in court. This position will provide serological examination primarily for aggravated assault / robbery and property crime cases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or related field
Required coursework, in addition to a 3-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course, must comply with the DNA Analyst coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule 651.207
Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure required within 1 year of employment
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification required within 2 years of employment
Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)
Must provide a personal DNA sample to be maintained by the Department’s Forensic Genetics Division for quality assurance purposes
As a public servant, this employee is expected to adequately prepare for court testimony in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
Subpoenas and court orders related to cases worked by the employee shall be followed, even post-employment.
The duty to adequately communicate with attorneys and prepare for testimony, which includes a review of the applicable case records, is still expected post-employment
Visual acuity sufficient to perceive minute differences and details and to withstand the strain of continued close work; and manual dexterity sufficient to conduct laboratory tasks as needed
Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Experience in a scientific laboratory

Responsibilities

Examines, documents, characterizes, and tests biological evidence submitted for criminal and medicolegal death investigations; operates and maintains laboratory instruments for forensic serology and DNA analysis
Prepares documents that support the resulting analytical findings and provides expert witness testimony in legal proceedings
Maintains at least a minimum level of productivity as determined by Forensic Genetics management
Provides routine maintenance, calibration, quality control, and laboratory housekeeping tasks as needed / assigned.
Follows all safety, quality assurance / quality control, and standard operating procedures, and assist with ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with ANAB accreditation requirements and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing
Successfully completes training, competency testing, and proficiency testing program requirements while maintaining American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification, and meeting ANAB, TFSC, and FBI Quality Assurance Standards requirements by attending continuing education / training courses, workshops, seminars, and/or professional meetings