Senior Forensic DNA Analyst, Lead

University Of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska Medical Center seeks a Technical Lead for the Human DNA Identification Laboratory. You will supervise complex forensic DNA testing, validate methodologies, and ensure quality systems while supporting training, trials, and QA activities.

Reporting to the Director of Forensic Services, you will provide scientific leadership, develop new approaches, and deliver expert courtroom testimony as required in criminal proceedings.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical/Physical/Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
• At least one graduate-level course in Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry.
• Coursework or training in forensic analysis, statistics or population genetics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical operation of the HDI Laboratory and act as Technical Leader per FBI QAS.
• Provide scientific leadership, oversight, and training support.
• Perform and supervise complex forensic DNA testing, validate new methods, ensure QA compliance, and provide expert testimony.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Clinical Lab Science degree

Graduate coursework in Molecular Biology/Genetics/Biochemistry

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

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

Location

Location Omaha, NE

Requisition Number

Requisition Number: Staff_14946

Business Unit

Business Unit College of Medicine

Reg-Temp

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.

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

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.