Forensic Laboratory Biology Analyst

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Duties & Responsibilities

• Duties may vary based on assignment.
• Perform examinations on submitted evidence according to biology/DNA protocols.
• Write reports to document findings and conclusions of cases.
• Testify as an expert witness in court regarding biology examination and comparison procedures to facilitate the court's understanding of biology/DNA evidence.
• Respond to requests for assistance to advise on biology issues.
• Brief attorney, criminal justice personnel, and judicial staff on biology findings.
• Maintain electronic/hardcopy biology files.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Considerable knowledge of advanced biology/DNA examination techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of the history of forensic biology.
• Working knowledge of biology/DNA techniques and use of section equipment and processes.
• Skill in making credible presentations as an expert witness in court.
• Skill in examining evidence for the presence of biological material.
• Knowledge of the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards and forensic accreditation bodies and processes.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to maintain technical expertise.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to maintain work-related records and prepare reports.

Working Conditions

• Work within a forensic laboratory environment within a law enforcement agency.
• Work with items of evidentiary value, which may contain body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen) that have been processed with chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic or toxic.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or microscope.
• May engage in light physical exertion (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds).
• May be required to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• In the event of an emergency or disaster, may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by management chain, Division/District Commander, or the Sheriff (or their designee). Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

Minimum Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area.
• Completion of at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis.
• Completion of coursework covering statistics or population genetics.
• One year of experience in forensic biology/DNA examinations including testifying as an expert witness during court trials.

Required Post-Employment Testing

• Must successfully complete the HCSO Biology Analyst Competency Examination within the first six months of assignment.

Additional Job Requirements

• Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.
• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
• No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff’s Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.
• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.
• No felony convictions within lifetime.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.
• Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.
• Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment (certified only).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previously qualified analyst with documented mixture interpretation training.
• Completion of the FBI’s DNA auditor training.
• Experience in a National DNA Index System (NDIS) participating laboratory working with the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) software.

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