Senior Dna Forensic Analyst - Anticipated Vacancy

This is professional services work involving the scientific examination, testing, and analysis of physiological evidence collected in connection with criminal investigations.  Responsibilities include serving as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Administrator; examining and analyzing evidence by employing scientifically valid forensic DNA, chemical, physical, biological, and serological tests; evaluating and preparing written opinions concerning the identification and comparability of blood, body fluids, and hair or skin samples; and testifying as an expert witness in a Court of Law.  Supervision may be exercised over professional and/or technical support personnel.  Work is performed under limited supervision.This position is supervised by the Forensic Biology Supervisor.

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Manages the Laboratory's CODIS database and is responsible for the quality assurance, integrity, and security of the DNA profile data stored in CODIS.
• Responsible for administrating the technical and scientific operations of the CODIS computer network, including supervision of procedures and reports on CODIS findings.
• Ensures the CODIS computer network is operating in accordance with National and Maine laws and that all protocols meet national quality assurance standards for forensic DNA database analysis.
• Oversees developments within the field of DNA database typing by attending CODIS Administrator conferences twice a year, professional seminars, courses, and meetings, or documented training sessions/classes in relevant subject areas at least once per year and regularly reading current scientific literature.
• Serves as a resource for Investigators, evidence technicians, and other law enforcement personnel.
• Responsible for the oversight of CODIS computer-based training.
• Examines, analyzes and compares various types of physical evidence using scientifically valid laboratory procedures to identify evidence and determine the degree of comparability of evidence to other samples.
• Explains and interprets forensic DNA findings, their scientific basis, and statistical significance in criminal court proceedings to provide expert testimony.
• Liaisons with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, the medical and scientific communities, and communications media to explain analytical results and provide information concerning forensic DNA services.
• Trains law enforcement personnel in proper use and methods of handling biological evidence and the capabilities of forensic DNA analysis and CODIS computer software to ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence, quality assurance of DNA data, and promote the use of DNA evidence. 
• Participates in developing and implementing programs such as forensic DNA proficiency testing, quality assurance and control, and laboratory safety to maintain national accreditation and ensure the integrity of analytical testing and results.
• Writes and maintains records of daily logs, reports, and case records to document information for future reference and retrieval.
• Performs system testing activities to validate the system's integrity, document quality control standards, and maintain security protocols throughout systems and processes. 
• Provides technical advice and consultation to management and professional staff regarding quality assurance standards and associated business practices to meet quality assurance standards for forensic DNA casework and database analysis.
• Orders and monitors reagents, chemicals, and consumables stock levels to ensure sufficient supplies/materials for testing/services.
• Processes crime scene vehicles, and collects, packages, marks, and receives evidence to identify and obtain physical evidence and ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence.
• Writes technical reports and opinions of analytical findings and their interpretation to document results and provide expert written opinion/testimony.
• Collaborates with stakeholders, managers, and IT staff to discuss problems, formulate solutions, and implement changes to ensure continued participation in CODIS.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the CODIS computer network and associated State and Federal quality assurance standards.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA principles, laboratory techniques, procedures, and technology.
• Knowledge of physiological evidence collection and preservation techniques.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence. 
• Knowledge of forensic serology.
• Knowledge of Electrophoresis.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative/qualitative organic chemistry.
• Knowledge of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and recombinant DNA technology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of forensic DNA laboratory proficiency and validation studies.
• Knowledge of photography and photographic equipment.
• Knowledge of quality assurance standards, principles, methods, and data warehouses.
• Knowledge of applicable software and associated user requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot database software abnormalities.
• Ability to draft test scripts and document and compare results.
• Ability to perform forensic DNA PCR analysis.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret forensic DNA test results.
• Ability to present and defend findings in a court of law.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to examine, analyze, identify, and compare various types of physical evidence.
• Ability to prepare reagents and solutions.

Minimum qualifications:

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Lt. Michael Zabarsky at michael.h.zabarsky@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes  13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.