Forensic Evidence Technician 1

Marshall University; Huntington (WV); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Marshall University seeks a DNA Technician to support forensic DNA analysts, perform testing operations, manage evidence handling, and ensure compliance with QA standards. The role includes instrument maintenance, record keeping, and preparation of reagents while upholding strict contamination controls.

This on-site position requires a high school diploma and excellent attention to detail, with opportunities to advance within the laboratory operations team.

Qualifications

• Must follow written procedures and safety rules accurately.
• Maintain accurate, confidential laboratory records.
• Ability to learn and operate laboratory information systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, organize, label and document evidentiary items and databasing samples.
• Maintain chain of custody and sample control throughout handling phases.
• Perform DNA-related screening, extraction, purification, dilution and amplification steps.
• Record observations and transfer data to analysts for evaluation.
• Prepare reagents, manage inventory, and coordinate maintenance of equipment.

Skills

Follow procedures

Laboratory safety

Documentation

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The DNA Technician (DT) performs, and holds execution responsibility for, laboratory testing operations, instrument operation and maintenance, evidence handling, record keeping, and facility tasks for which the individual is authorized. The DNA Technician also supports Forensic DNA Analysts in tasks that require assistance, including evidence examination and screening.

Authorization is granted by the responsible Technical Leader following documented training and competency assessment, and covers named procedures and instruments. Assigned level (I or II) reflects the breadth of that authorization.

Training qualifies the DNA Technician to execute procedures correctly, safely, reproducibility, and under contamination control. Interpretation, evaluation of quality control results, statistical evaluation, and reporting belong to the Forensic DNA Analyst, who holds responsibility for all analytical and interpretive decisions on the data produced.

The DNA Technician executes procedures as written, documents the work completely, and escalates any departure from the expected outcome to the assigned Forensic DNA Analyst or the responsible Technical Leader. All work is conducted in accordance with approved laboratory procedures, FBI Quality Assurance Standards ( QAS ), ISO / IEC 17025, and applicable legal and safety requirements.

Reporting and Technical Authority

All Levels (I-II)

• Administratively reports to the Laboratory Director of Operations.
• Technically reports to the appropriate Technical Leader.
• Receives case-level and batch-level direction from the assigned Forensic DNA Analyst for the work being executed.

Level I

• Executes authorized procedures and instrument operations independently within the authorized scope.
• Escalates technical, quality, or safety concerns to the assigned analyst or supervisory staff.

Core Responsibilities (Applicable to Levels I-II)

Responsibilities are listed in the order of the laboratory workflow. All laboratory testing operations and instrument operations are performed independently within the scope for which authorization has been granted.

Evidence Reception and Handling

• Receive, verify, organize, label, and document forensic evidentiary items, including databasing samples.
• Support verification of case submission forms and supporting documentation for completeness.
• Maintain chain of custody and sample control through all handling phases.
• Handle, secure, repackage, and store evidentiary items, and maintain the associated evidence tracking records.

Laboratory Testing Operations

• Perform presumptive and confirmatory screening tests, hair washing and root identification, and M- VAC collection, and record the observations for analyst determination.
• Perform DNA extraction, purification, dilution, and concentration, including automated extraction platform operation.
• Perform quantification and amplification, including thermal cycler operation and setup of controls.
• Perform capillary electrophoresis setup and run operation, including plate preparation and polymer, buffer, and array changes.
• Perform sequencing library preparation, target enrichment, normalization, pooling, and sequencing run operation.
• Record execution data, observations, and run parameters, and transfer generated data to the designated location for analyst evaluation.

Reagents, Equipment, and Facility

• Prepare reagents and solutions, perform reagent quality control checks, and manage labeling, storage, and inventory of reagents and consumables.
• Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, consumable replacement, and performance checks on laboratory instrumentation and ancillary equipment, and maintain the corresponding records.
• Coordinate scheduled service visits and support external service and calibration activities.
• Remove non-conforming equipment from service and notify the assigned analyst or the responsible Technical Leader.
• Perform facility cleaning, decontamination, biohazard disposal, and temperature and environmental monitoring, maintaining contamination control across pre- PCR and post- PCR areas.

Support to Forensic DNA Analysts

• Support analysts during evidence examination, sample selection and cutting, and specialty processing (bone, petrous, teeth), including handling and positioning materials, equipment, supplies, and lighting, and preparing the work area.

General

• Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable laboratory records for all work executed.
• Participate in required meetings, training, competency assessments, and continuing education activities.
• Provide court testimony regarding evidence handling and procedure execution when authorized.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the responsible Technical Leader or the Laboratory Director of Operations within the level, training, and authorization of the technician.

Additional Responsibilities by Level

Level I

• Execute authorized evidence handling, testing, maintenance, and facility tasks.
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities and inventory management.
• Perform data handling and software entry within the authorized scope.
• Support consistency in laboratory workflows and documentation practices.

Skills and Abilities

Level I

• Ability to follow written procedures, protocols, and verbal instructions accurately and without deviation.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation correctly and safely within the authorized scope.
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential laboratory records.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, sterile technique, and contamination control.
• Ability to recognize when an outcome departs from the procedure and to elevate it.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn laboratory information systems and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Location

Location OTHR - Other Off-Campus Location

Salary Range

Salary Range $50,000 - Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma.

Experience

• Ability to follow written procedures, protocols, and verbal instructions accurately and without deviation.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation correctly and safely within the authorized scope.
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential laboratory records.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, sterile technique, and contamination control.
• Ability to recognize when an outcome departs from the procedure and to elevate it.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn laboratory information systems and software.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Experience

• Training in laboratory-based methods.
• Exposure to laboratory instrumentation and general laboratory methods.

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have a High School diploma, GED or higher?
  • Yes
  • No