Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit

University of North Texas - Denton; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth invites applications for a Forensic Analyst in the Missing Persons Unit. You will conduct DNA analyses to support criminal and missing persons investigations and provide accurate, court-ready results.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and the ability to apply for a Forensic Analyst license. The role emphasizes rigorous QA, documentation, and professional testimony as part of a multidisciplinary CHI team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or any forensic science related field.
• Coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and statistics from an accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Conduct evidence examination and laboratory tests following QA policies and procedures.
• Perform autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA data analysis and reporting.
• Technical and administrative review of casework.
• Provide expert witness testimony as required.
• Maintain proficiency in autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA analysis procedures.
• Complete continuing education and review current scientific literature.
• Participate in validations and laboratory projects as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science related field

Coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, statistics

Job description

Title: Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit

Employee Classification: Forensic Analyst

Campus: University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth

Division: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation

SubDivision-Department: HSC-Health Institutes & Centers

Department: HSC-Center for Human ID-304600

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: Grade 10

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Center for Human Identification (CHI) is an accredited forensic laboratory located on the campus of UNT Health at Fort Worth. With funding from the state of Texas and various Federal Government agencies, CHI supports DNA testing, forensic genetic genealogy, anthropological examinations, CODIS operations, forensic training, and cutting-edge research and development initiatives. CHI also manages the Texas Missing Persons DNA Database.

Position Overview

Responsibilities include conducting forensic DNA analysis on samples submitted to CHI for criminal and missing persons investigations to help establish the identity of the individual, maintaining accurate testing and quality control records, and providing legal testimony regarding the methods used and results obtained in the conducted forensic examinations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or any discipline related to forensic science; and completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics from an accredited university or program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Communication skills
• Works effectively and cooperatively with others
• Uses critical thinking and logic to solve problems
• Adjusts to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a forensic DNA lab
• Experience working with autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Applicant must be able to apply for and obtain a Forensic Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) before beginning any casework duties.

Job Duties

• Conduct evidence examination and laboratory tests following all Quality Assurance Manual policies and Procedure Manual guidelines.
• Perform autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA data analysis, interpretation, genetic comparisons, and report generation.
• Technical and administrative review of casework.
• Provide expert witness testimony as required.
• Maintain proficiency in autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA analysis procedures and data analysis.
• Complete the required hours of continuing education and review current scientific literature.
• Participation in various validation and laboratory projects as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

• Noisy environments.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.

Work Schedule

M-F, 8:00a-5:00p, with possibility of a flex-schedule

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.* Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. * Candidates are required to provide their transcript(s) with application. * Employment at the Center for Human Identification is contingent upon your agreement to provide a DNA sample for purposes of quality control to detect sample contamination.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.