DNA Examiner

Ideal Innovations Incorporated; Quantico (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is recruiting a DNA Examiner to join a fully operational forensic laboratory in Quantico, VA. You will receive evidence, process samples for mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, and perform analyses with strict chain-of-custody and QA/QC adherence.

The role supports FBI and TEDAC missions and requires clearances and meticulous report writing. The position emphasizes careful sample handling, instrument calibration, and producing reports suitable for database inclusion while

Qualifications

• BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field from an accredited university.
• Coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics or population genetics.

Responsibilities

• Receive and account for boxes of evidence and related materials.
• Visually inspect and process evidence for mitochondrial or nuclear DNA; prepare samples for analysis.
• Determine sample types and select appropriate protocols for examination.
• Conduct DNA examinations on items of evidence.
• Calibrate instruments used for forensic examinations and analysis.
• Maintain chain-of-custody of all forensic material.
• Follow QA/QC procedures and accreditation safety policies.
• Conduct DNA analysis and comparisons of profiles or sequences as appropriate.
• Author forensic reports with notes and supporting documentation.
• Provide generated profiles for storage and searching in DNA databases.
• Conduct technical and administrative reviews of all work.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Organization skills

Adaptability

Verbal and written communication

Education

BA in Biology or related field

Nine semester hours in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology; statistics/population genetics

Job description

Highlights

• Joining a dynamic forensics team with many opportunities to grow professionally
• Working with other forensic experts in various fields to support the FBI and TEDAC missions
• Experiencing a unique opportunity to work with the FBI laboratory
• Obtaining some or enhancing your experience working in a fully functional government laboratory working closely with other forensics experts

Typical Day

Working in a fully operational forensic laboratory. Receiving evidence, examining evidence, processing evidence, analyzing results and documenting findings.

Tasks

• Receive and account for boxes of evidence and related materials from contributors.
• Visually inspect and process evidence and related materials for mitochondrial and / or nuclear DNA as appropriate; isolate and collect materials for analysis from appropriate areas of various evidentiary materials; prepare samples for instrumental analysis; and associate samples with other existing submissions (as appropriate).
• Make an initial determination of the types of samples suitable for analysis and select appropriate protocols for conducting the examination of materials.
• Conduct DNA examinations on items of evidence.
• Calibrate instruments used for forensic examinations and analysis.
• Maintain proper chain-of-custody of all forensic material under examination
• Follow all QA/QC procedures, protocols and adhere to policies and procedures related to its accreditation and safety standards.
• Conduct DNA analysis and comparisons of profiles or sequences as appropriate.
• Author forensic reports to include all laboratory notes and supporting documentation.
• Provide all generated profiles or sequences in a format necessary for inclusion, storage, and searching of the appropriate DNA databases.
• Conduct technical and administrative reviews of all work.

Required Qualifications

Education

• BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field of biological science from an accredited university/college.
• Successfully completed coursework in the following subject areas: nine (9) semester hours in the fields of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as well as coursework and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.

Experience

• At least one (1) year as a DNA Examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Skills

• Basic computer skills, to include use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook); organization skills; flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities; demonstrated ability to study and pass training, examination, and testing assessments; verbal and written communication skills

Clearance: Ability to obtain US Top Secret Clearance (US citizenship required)

Shift: Normal day shift

Location: Quantico, VA

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.