Job Information
State of Massachusetts Forensic Scientist I - DNA in Maynard, Massachusetts
Candidates for this position must submit a copy of their college transcript with their submission. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for initial submission. There will be no consideration of the application without a transcript. Candidates must meet the educational requirements in the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories issued by the FBI including having completed coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and statistics and/or population genetics. Throughaformaltrainingprogram,incumbents: · Completecomprehensivetrainingincurrentmethodsandtechniquesusedtoconductbiologicalanalysisofevidence; preparing solutions to be used in testing; and operating laboratory equipment. · Developproficiencyinapplyingestablishedprotocolsandprocedures,including,butnotlimitedto,administrative,quality assurance, quality control, safety, and test specific methods/ protocols as outlined in laboratory manuals and directives. Handle chemicals and prepare solutions as necessary, taking appropriate safety precautions. · Conduct quality control testing on equipment, reagents, and solutions to determine suitability of use in case work. Calibratelaboratoryequipmentbyfollowingdocumentedproceduresandlaboratoryprotocols,ensuringthatequipmentis functioning within the operating parameters set for achieving valid test results and analytical outcomes. · Adheretoqualityassurancemeasuresandaccreditationstandardsasmandatedbyallapplicablerules,policies, protocols, and procedures. · EvaluatebiologicalevidenceforDNAtestingsuitability. · Exciseandpreparebiologicalsamplesfortesting.Maintainchainofcustodyofcasesamplesandcasefiles. · Reinforcepracticesformaintainingthechainofcustodyforallevidencehandledbyadheringtolaboratoryprotocolsfor requesting, receiving, packaging, returning and documenting contact with case-related items and materials. · Utilizeappropriatetechniquestoavoidcontamination. · IsolateDNAfromevidencecontainingblood,semen,saliva,hairtissue,andotherbodyfluids. · ExtractDNAfrombiologicalmaterialsusingroboticextractionsprocedures,orotherapprovedprocedures. Quantify DNA using approved laboratory quantification procedures, or other approved procedures. · AmplifyDNAusingthePolymeraseChainReaction. · ConductDNAfragmentanalysisusingcapillaryelectrophoresis.Interpretdatautilizingsoftware(e.g.,GeneMapperIDX, STRmix), and make comparisons to evaluate potential sources of evidentiary DNA. · Conductstatisticalanalysisusingpopulationgeneticsandacceptedcalculationprocedurestoassignnumerical significance to evidence. · Issuewrittenreportsdescribingresultsandconclusionspertainingtoevidence. Submit eligible data to CODIS. · Provide testimony as an expert and/or material witness in court and/or at formal judicial hearings in order to defend the findings,provideopinionsontestresults/examinations,demonstratescientificprocedures,andtoexplaintestprocedures and other job-related functions. · Assistwithvalidationstudies. · Conductadministrativereviewofcasework. · Undergoperiodicreviewstoaffirmthattrainingbenchmarksarebeingmetandtosatisfactorilycompleteallproficiencyand competency tests required to successfully complete the training program. Throughformaltrainingincumbentsatthisleveldevelopthedecision-makingauthorityto: · Determinethatreagentsandsolutionsaresuitableforuseintestingandanalyticalprocessesperlaboratoryprotocolsand quality control standards. · Determinethatlaboratoryconditionsandequipmentaresuitableforconductingtestsandanalyticalprocessesperthe laboratory quality assurance guidelines. · Determineifchainofcustodyprotocolsforhandlingevidencehavebeenfollowedorviolatedinordertoreportviolationsto supervisory personnel. · Decidethatappropriatescientificoutcomeshavebeenreachedinordertosubmittestresultsandfindingsforreview. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Applicants must have a Bachelors degree in the natural sciences, including Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, Pharmacology or Physics and (A) must successfully complete on-the-job training to attain full competence as a forensic analyst in a designated forensic science specialization within one year of the date of hire. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Laboratory Services* *Organization: Department of State Police *Title: *Forensic Scientist I - DNA Location: Massachusetts-Maynard - 124 Acton Street Requisition ID: 240007NB