Forensic Technician IV

The incumbent is responsible for performing specific portions of testing on forensic casework while complying with client and company requirements. Will work as part of a highly motivated team to process high-quality casework in a timely and efficient manner, focusing on quality, meeting client deadlines, flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Help train other staff members on serology methods, extraction methods, and internal procedures.
• Make sound scientific decisions with respect to screening results obtained based on validated methods and standard operating procedures.
• Help other staff members as needed to complete serology and molecular biology work and respond quickly to changing priorities in casework.
• Execute molecular biology laboratory protocols associated with screening and molecular biology methods (including extraction, quant, amp, and CE protocols) on assigned casework.
• Propose solutions as needed to address problems associated with screening or molecular biology work.
• Utilize a variety of modern scientific equipment (e.g., 7500s, 3500s).
• Prepare reagent aliquots and conduct QC testing on new lots of reagents and/or kits.
• Complete assignments within the designated timeframe.
• Organize assigned activities to maximize efficiency, and alert management when technical or schedule problems arise.
• Help other staff organize screening and molecular biology activities to maximize efficiency.
• Perform lab work wearing appropriate PPE, and practice good contamination control techniques.
• Ensure that chain of custody documentation is complete and accurate.
• Adhere to quality assurance practices.
• Prepare screening reports as appropriate (e.g., those associated with negative male screening results or 'stop at quant' results).
• Perform administrative reviews for casework.
• Provide fact witness testimony in a court of law; must be able to travel by air.
• Assist with routine laboratory decontamination as needed.
• Assist with inventory tracking and control for laboratory consumables.
• Respond to inquiries orally and in writing, including those internally and from clients.

Requirements

• Read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
• Possess sound reasoning skills and regularly show ability to follow detailed standard instructions, with great attention to detail and guidance from company policy manuals and forensic SOPs.
• Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office; specifically, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access; instrument software (e.g., QIAcubes, EZ1s, 7500s, 3500s).
• Ability to learn then successfully navigate STACS™-CW tracking software.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to train others on serology and molecular biology methods and maintain appropriate training documentation for the trainees.
• Must meet the forensic technician requirements specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding education and experience.
• Must be willing and eligible to obtain required State License for Forensic Technician as specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the biological or chemical sciences, or in forensic science with a biology focus, plus at least one year of laboratory experience with DNA extractions, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis.
• Alternatively, a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the same fields (with no outside experience required).
• At least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a technical or scientific discipline plus at least two years of relevant work experience. A MS degree from an accredited institution in a technical or scientific discipline is considered equivalent to the work experience requirement.

Working Conditions

• Must work in a laboratory environment that requires wearing PPE and standing for extended periods of time.
• Required to enter data and write reports by typing on a computer.
• Will have potential contact with hazardous materials, including biological fluids.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance and 40 pounds with assistance to handle evidence.