Forensic DNA Scientist 3 (Research Associate)

SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic DNA Scientist with a strong work ethic to join our team. SNA International’s team works together in pursuit of the same cause: build a safe and just world by empowering organizations in the use of forensics, biometrics and identity intelligence.

Qualified candidates will assist in the AFDIL research program maintenance and development at the direction of the Chief Scientist and Assistant Technical Lead of the Emerging Technologies Section (ETS) with the development of new technologies to fix gaps in current testing methods,to optimize commercially available testing kits that are fit for use with typical AFDIL samples and to generate new databases for statistical calculation as needed.

Critical Work Responsibilities include:

1. Independently assist in the expansion of the AFDIL technical program to accelerate service work capabilities which may include the following:

1. Setup and make operationally ready a wide variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
2. Write, review, and edit experimental protocols, standard operating procedures and operating instructions for projects of experimental programs, service casework procedures and general laboratory management operations.
3. Assist in quality assurance activities such as standards maintenance, equipment preventive maintenance, reagent testing and validation, proficiency testing, and accreditation and certification.
4. Manage investigative studies on novel markers/assays to improve DNA recovery and/or typing from mixed and/or low template specimens, including design of experiments, performance of laboratory work and analysis of data.
5. Participate in the establishment of extensive mtDNA, Y-STR and Autosomal STR databases for both general, and specifically targeted populations.
6. Identify, investigate and pursue projects to advance DNA-based biometric capabilities.
7. Assist in the management and coordination of interns, part-time employees and visiting scientists involved in research efforts.
8. Prepare formal written reports of experimental studies that contain professional interpretations and conclusions from the data that are suitable for scientific publication or presentation.
9. Present scientific findings at domestic conferences.
10. Author/co-author scientific presentations and publications.

2. Adhere to established quality assurance activities including maintenance of standards and controls, and comply with preventive maintenance and equipment calibration, reagent testing and validation.

3. Perform general laboratory house-keeping activities such as maintaining appropriate working-stock levels of expendable supplies, and maintaining a clean environment within laboratory work areas.

4. Independently perform investigative studies on tissue identification by DNA Typing technologies.  Maintain documentation of method development and research activities in accordance with standard practice.

5. Assist in the development of research projects focused on the application of novel methods to forensic casework and the procurement of funding to conduct these investigations.

6. Independently assist in educational and training activities

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.

2. Familiar with  MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat

3. Master's degree in biology, chemistry or forensic science related areas and 2 years of experience in DNA analysis OR Doctorate degree forensic genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related scientific field with specific knowledge and skills in the latter areas or in bioinformatics, genetics, population biology, statistics, and forensic science.

4. Knowledge of current biological methods, especially those associated with Next Generation Sequencing and degraded DNA analysis.

5. General Knowledge of forensic tissue typing methods, especially nucDNA and mtDNA profiling.

6. Willingness to maintain a professional knowledge and understanding of relevant current issues in the scientific and forensic communities.

7. Professional knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories of, and the skills to operate and maintain, a wide variety of sophisticated analytical instrumentation.

8. Knowledge and experience to independently initiate and carry through to completion complex experimental studies meant to analyze a problem, test a hypothesis, and/or develop a theory.

9. Ability to apply practical and theoretical knowledge to troubleshoot unforeseen difficulties arising from analyses of DNA derived from tissues retrieved from unusual or unexpected environmental conditions.

10. Knowledge or ability to quickly acquire knowledge of current military, federal, or local laws and regulations pertaining to rules of evidence and courtroom procedures.

11. Knowledge of safety procedures, guidelines and regulations, and the ability to appropriately handle hazardous materials.

12. Sufficient level of competence in order to argue, reason, and draw inferences and conclusions from technical information, experimental data and scientific theories, and to prepare effective oral and written presentations.

13. Possess personality traits necessary to maintain good research team cohesion and to set a good working example.

14. General knowledge of molecular biology and population genetics principles, particularly as they apply to degraded remains testing and DNA evidence interpretation.

15. Possess organizational skills necessary to document experimental parameters, track and synthesize large volumes of data, and disseminate results to both general and professional audiences.

16. Possess knowledge of various requirements necessary for achieving laboratory accreditation.

17. Individual must be able to understand the capabilities, limitations, and interpretative results from the following complex technical procedures:

1. Various next generation sequencing and library preparation procedures, especially those of interest to the forensic community.
2. Processing and preparation of various tissue and fluid samples for extraction and purification of DNA.
3. Application of PCR procedures to amplify target template DNA for subsequent analysis.
4. Separation of DNA fragments, including nuclear and mtDNA amplification and sequencing products, using capillary and other electrophoresis systems.
5. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of DNA by various methods.
6. Analysis of PCR amplified DNA using STR technologies.
7. Operation of automated/robotic instrumentation associated with investigative studies.
8. Use of automated computer management systems to manipulate and analyze data in preparation of monthly and final reports on experimental studies.
9. General knowledge of statistics and/or population genetics for computation of population frequency statistics as it applies for forensic DNA analysis.

The successful candidate must be self-motivated, detail oriented and able to work well in a team laboratory environment. 

Candidates must be US citizens and able to obtain and complete a National Agency Check with Law and Credit Inquiries (NAC-I) background investigation. 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter that outlines why you should be considered for this position and position level. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.

No phone calls.

SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.