DNA Analyst

  • WAKE COUNTY, NC
  • Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Mar 08, 2024
Administrative Analysis and Research
  • Salary: 61,737 USD
  • Salary Top: 83348

Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

The Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification (CCBI) is adding DNA analysis to the forensic services provided by the CCBI Laboratory and is seeking applicants for the position of DNA Analyst. With the addition of a DNA unit, the current role of the DNA Analyst will include participation in the validation of a laboratory information management system (LIMS), validation of instrumentation and probabilistic genotyping software and analysis of validation data in order to achieve accreditation.

This role will involve working with DNA unit team members to meet this challenging goal.

Essential Functions:
  • Receive, analyze and maintain secure custody of items of evidence submitted for DNA analysis
  • Perform DNA examinations including the collection of biological samples using approved procedures
  • Generate STR profiles utilizing analytical DNA equipment and instrumentation
  • Analyze and record DNA test data
  • Interpret the data of complex DNA mixtures using probabilistic genotyping computer software
  • Enter DNA data into CODIS
  • Perform the preparation of case reports within the laboratory information management system (JusticeTrax LIMS-plus)
  • Provide expert testimony in courts of law for DNA analysis results including providing relevant population statistics data
  • Perform administrative and/or technical reviews of DNA casework conducted by other DNA Analysts
  • Participate in the laboratory accreditation and quality assurance program
  • Validate and maintain laboratory analytical equipment and instrumentation
  • Assist with obtaining laboratory accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) DNA Quality Assurance Standards (QAS)


About Our Team

The Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1937 in an effort to provide for the better enforcement of the criminal laws in Wake County. CCBI is a specialized forensic bureau that functions as an independent criminal justice agency serving all law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction in Wake County. CCBI's mission is to continuously strive for perfection while setting the highest standards in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of evidence and collection of criminal arrest information. CCBI is comprised of approximately 80 full-time employees divided into three divisions: The Investigations Division, the Crime Laboratory Division and the Identification Division. The Investigations Division's responsibility is to provide crime scene investigation services to law enforcement agencies within Wake County. The Crime Laboratory Division is responsible for the forensic analysis of evidence including DNA examination, latent print examination services, firearms examination, controlled substance analysis, DWI blood drug/alcohol analysis, digital evidence examination, photographic services and facial recognition examinations. The Identification Division is divided into a Civil Identification Unit and a Criminal Identification Unit. The Civil Identification Unit is tasked with providing public fingerprinting services. The Criminal Identification Unit is responsible for the identity verification, collection of fingerprints and photographs and the collection of statutorily required DNA collection kits upon all individuals arrested in Wake County. For more detailed information regarding CCBI and the services provided, please see our website at the following address: http://www.wakegov.com/ccbi/Pages/default.aspx.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

  • Bachelor’s degree in a Biology, Chemistry or Forensic Science-related area with completed coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology and Statistics and/or Population Genetics including a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours or equivalent that cover the required subject areas of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Six months of forensic human DNA laboratory experience
  • Must obtain professional certification in Molecular Biology, Forensic DNA Analysis or similar area of expertise within 24 months of eligibility.
  • Successful completion of the FBI/QAS forensic auditor training course required within six (6) months of employment
  • Equivalent education and experience are accepted


Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

  • Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related natural science
  • Four years of experience performing forensic DNA examinations on items of evidence collected during criminal investigations


How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

  • Ability to monitor and collect research data to access accuracy, validity and integrity
  • Ability to observe, monitor, collect and record data
  • Ability to interpret and evaluate results and create reports and/or presentations
  • Ability to accomplish tasks and processes accurately and completely
  • Ability to assess the accuracy, validity and integrity of the data
  • Knowledge of appropriate procedures for using and ability to use specific equipment or machines to meet defined quality and quantity standards
  • Ability to firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles
  • Knowledge of appropriate data collection policy and procedures, filing systems, data management systems and programs
  • Ability to build and maintain ongoing, collaborative, working relationships with coworkers to achieve the goals of the work unit
  • Ability to arrange and assign work to use resources efficiently
  • Knowledge of the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS)


About This Position

Location: Wake County Detention Center Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm

Hiring Range: $61,737 - $83,348

Market Range: 61,737.00 - 104,959.00

Posting Closing Date: This position is open until filled and may close at any time.

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Base Pay

61,737

Job Address

Raleigh, North Carolina United States View Map