DNA Laboratory Forensic Chemist IP

Job title: DNA Laboratory Forensic Chemist IP

Company: Prince George’s County

Job description: Nature and Variety of WorkCome join our team!Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County’s residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George’s County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.We are Prince George’s Proud!
The Prince George’s County Police Department is currently seeking highly qualified applicants to fill a DNA Laboratory Forensic Chemist I/II, grade P20/22, in the DNA Laboratory.About the Position:
This is entry level professional technical forensic science work. Incumbents are assigned to the forensic DNA analysis laboratory where they perform routine methods and techniques involved in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations. Routine work assignments are performed under close supervision by supervisory level Forensic Chemist and in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures, Federal and State guidelines, and accreditation standards. Incumbents are evaluated based upon their ability to analyze, identify, and document evidence and to offer effective case related testimony at criminal court proceedings. Such incumbents prepare summary findings and materials for use in testifying as an expert witness in criminal court proceedings.Work performed in the DNA Laboratory involves potential contact with biohazards including body fluids, which could carry contagious disease, and possible exposure to airborne particles, as well as toxic and/or caustic chemicals. The work is performed in both office and laboratory settings and requires special measures to safeguard workers against injury. Incumbents regularly use face masks, protective clothing, and nitrile gloves when collecting/examining evidence. This is a professional position responsible for conducting serological and DNA analysis on physical evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel.About the Agency
The Prince George’s County Police Department is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Maryland, providing a full range of law enforcement services to County residents and business owners. Their mission is to work in partnership with citizens of Prince George’s County towards providing a safe environment and enhancing the quality of life. Today, the Prince George’s County Police Department serves over 900,000 residents and has an authorized strength of 1800 officers and 300 civilians.Examples of Work

• Completes all required Serology and DNA job training.
• Assists members of the DNA Laboratory with case file management and evidence management.
• Assists with intake of evidence.
• Assures quality assurance ensuring safety regulations and standards are followed at all times.
• Joins the proficiency test cycle once trained.
• Conducts serological analysis on physical evidence to identify body fluids and performs Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA analysis on evidence according to established protocols once trained.
• Conducts quality control ensuring appropriate equipment usage and assisting with cleaning the laboratory.
• Assists the CODIS Administrator with matches.
• Testifies in court as required.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned, which may not be specifically listed in the position description, however, are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, or other Physical Science including course work totaling twelve (12) semester credit hours covering each of the subject areas of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Population Genetics or Statistics.

*Transcripts must be attached in order to verify eligibility*In addition to completing a Prince George’s County employment application, the applicant MUST provide specific information relative to each of the areas referenced in the statement of the minimum qualifications shown above. The information provided will be used to examine the applicant’s qualifications for this position. Also, applicants must submit college transcripts with their application.
Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or other related field of natural science.
• Experience in how to accurately identify body fluids, extract DNA, conduct DNA Analysis, and perform mixture interpretation.
• Experience testifying in local and/or federal court systems as an expert witness.
• CODIS trained and a current CODIS user.
• Knowledge and experience with EZ1 Advanced XL; QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System; Veriti Thermal Cycler; 3500XL Genetic Analyzer; Globalfiler® PCR Amplification Kit; and STRmix probabilistic genotyping.
• Experience conducting forensic DNA analysis.
• Experience handling evidence in an accredited forensic laboratory.

EACH APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITIONAdditional InformationJob Location: Palmer Park, Maryland 20785Work Environment:
Forensic Chemists complete the majority of their work within laboratories and may also spend time in an administrative/office setting or court room.Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must:

• Pass proficiency tests twice a year.
• Pass a drug screening.
• Pass a background investigation.
• Attend continuing education relevant to forensic DNA analysis.
• Have knowledge of Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Safety Protocol as required by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory.
• Be willing to work assigned shift work (days/evenings/weekends/holidays).
• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties, if applicable.
• Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.

Accountability Statement:
The incumbent in this position is authorized to carry out those duties and responsibilities in accordance with the established performance standards and is subject to reporting and justifying task outcomes to those above him/her in the Department’s chain of command. The incumbent in this position treats all information, administrative or operational, as strictly confidential, not to be disseminated in any form unless expressly authorized.ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTEDEligibility to Work: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.INTERNAL APPLICANTS: If you are a current Prince George’s County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.Prince George’s County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Expected salary: $57344 – 99522 per year

Location: Maryland

Job date: Sun, 10 Nov 2024 08:29:41 GMT

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