Senior Forensic DNA Analyst, Lead

University Of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University Of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE seeks a Technical Lead to manage the HDI Laboratory's operations, provide scientific leadership, and ensure accurate forensic DNA results under FBI QAS standards.

You will oversee testing, validation, QA, training, and support expert testimony, reporting to the Director of Forensic Services; full-time schedule, on-site.

Qualifications

• Graduated in Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
• Graduate-level coursework in Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry.
• Training in forensics analysis, statistics or population genetics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex forensic DNA testing in HDI lab.
• Provide scientific leadership and technical oversight.
• Support quality assurance, validation, and accreditation.
• Offer expert testimony in criminal proceedings.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetics

DNA analysis

PCR

Sequencing

Forensics analysis

Education

Clinical Laboratory Science

Molecular Biology coursework

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

UNMC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Location

Omaha, NE

Requisition Number:

Staff_14946

Department

Business Unit

College of Medicine

Reg-Temp

Full-Time Regular

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Remote/Telecommuting

No remote/telecommuting opportunity

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Forensic Services, the Technical Lead is responsible for the technical operation of the Human DNA Identification ( HDI ) Laboratory and serves as the laboratory’s designated Technical Leader in accordance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards. The Technical Lead provides scientific leadership, technical oversight, training support, validation support, to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and scientifically defensible forensic DNA results. This position performs and oversees complex forensic DNA testing, develops and validates new methodologies, supports quality assurance activities, and provides expert testimony in criminal proceedings.

Initial application review will begin on the date provided in the field above. Applications received prior to this review date will be considered. Applications received after the review date may be considered.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education

If any degree major/training is required, please specify the type. (NOTE: Concentration and minors are not equivalent to a major)

Chemical, Physical, Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology

• At least one graduate level course registering 3 or more credit hours (Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry)
• Course work or training in forensics analysis, statistics and/or population genetics.

Required Experience

5 years

If any experience is required, please specify what kind of experience:

• Experience as a qualified analyst in an accredited forensic DNA laboratory to include experience with validation studies, quality assurance systems, and accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in forensic DNA interpretation and courtroom testimony.
• Experience training and mentoring forensic laboratory personnel.
• Requirements must satisfy current FBI Quality Assurance Standards for designation as a Technical Leader.

Required License

Yes

Forensic DNA certification

Required Computer Applications

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook

Required Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Scientific knowledge: Proficiency in molecular biology, genetics, and DNA analysis techniques such as PCR and sequencing. Comprehensive knowledge of scientific theory to perform and evaluate highly complex testing and results.
• Analytical skills: Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail to interpret DNA evidence accurately.
• Technical proficiency: Ability to operate complex laboratory equipment and maintain quality control standards. Ability to follow strict protocols regarding the custody of evidence, testing procedures and reporting guidelines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills: Clear communication of findings to non-experts and stakeholders as required for laboratory results, case notes, and court testimony.
• Attention to detail: Critical for detecting errors and ensuring the integrity of DNA evidence.
• Ability to work as an active team member and lead, reporting results and issues to supervisor and working well with other professionals.
• Experience with professional expert testimony in courts of law.
• Knowledge of DNA FBI QAS documents and ANAB ISO / IEC 17025:2017 standards.

Preferred Education

Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, or other related science

Preferred Experience

• Experience serving as a Technical Leader, Technical Reviewer, or DNA Laboratory Supervisor.
• Experience with probabilistic genotyping software and complex mixture interpretation.
• Experience with forensic investigative genetic genealogy ( FIGG ) technologies and kinship analysis.
• Must complete FBI's DNA auditor training course within one year of appointment.

Preferred License

No

Preferred Computer Applications

Not Applicable

Preferred Other Computer Applications

GMIDX, STRmix or other probabilistic genotyping software, JusticeTrax or other LIMS

Preferred Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to train and indirectly supervise other laboratory staff and QC activities.
• Knowledge of working in an academic institution.

Individuals who need accommodation during the online application or interview process may contact 402-559-4070 or [e-mail] to request an accommodation.