Forensic Scientist II - DNA Lab - City
$78,228,800–$119,662,400 year
On-siteOklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$78,228,800–$119,662,400 yearBachelors DegreeConservation ServicesMedium
Full TimeBachelors DegreeMediumConservation Services
Job Summary
Conduct DNA analyses, microscopic examinations, and evidence collection while ensuring proper storage and maintaining laboratory quality control standards. Enter profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database, prepare standard and special reports, and perform peer technical reviews. Assist with maintaining and repairing laboratory instruments, developing new analysis methods, and recommending equipment purchases. Provide training for less experienced scientists and assist investigators with forensic evidence handling techniques. Appearing in court as an expert witness when required, including occasional travel for testimony or on-site evidence collection. Perform peer technical reviews and assist with annual quality assurance audits. This role involves regular contact with law enforcement personnel and Officers of the Court within the City of Oklahoma City Police Department's Investigations Division.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or higher degree in biology, chemistry, or a forensic science related field
- Completed course work in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics population genetics
- Five (5) years' of authorized casework experience as a DNA forensic scientist with an accredited forensic science laboratory
- Possession of a valid Driver License (Operator)
- Knowledge of and skill in applying biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic science concepts, techniques, and principles
- Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a forensic laboratory
- Knowledge of serology and DNA analysis techniques with a forensic application
- Knowledge of methods and techniques of forensic evidence collection and examination
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to the work performed
- Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures
- Skill in conducting tests involving quantitative, qualitative, and comparative analysis
- Skill in the use of complex DNA related interpretation software
- Skill in written and verbal communication using tact and diplomacy
- Ability to work independently and as part of a validation team
- Ability to compile and analyze data
- Ability and willingness to make work-related decisions
- Ability and willingness to follow established department and laboratory directives
- Ability and willingness to appear in court to provide expert testimony
- Ability to uphold departmental standards and policies
- Ability to handle graphic videos related to ongoing investigations with professionalism, emotional resilience, and confidentiality
- Ability to handle harsh language, inappropriate situations, or other distressing circumstances with professionalism, emotional resilience, and confidentiality
- Successful completion of a comprehensive background check
- Successful completion of a polygraph test
- Willingness and ability to comply with the Body Art/Visible Tattoo Policy
- Ability to pass the online certification test for CJIS Security and Privacy Training
- Ability to complete the required CJIS Security and Privacy Training
- Ability to undergo national fingerprint-based records checks
- Ability to undergo a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check
- Ability to appear in court as an expert witness
- Ability to provide training for less experienced Forensic Scientists
- Ability to assist with in-service training for investigators and others regarding forensic evidence handling techniques and procedures
- Ability to perform Peer Technical Reviews
- Ability to assist with annual quality assurance audits
- Ability to monitor and maintain laboratory quality control standards
- Ability to assist with the performance of administrative functions
- Ability to develop new methods of analysis and work procedures
- Ability to evaluate and recommend new laboratory instrument purchases
- Ability to assist in evidence collection
- Ability to conduct DNA analyses and microscopic examinations of materials and ensure proper storage
- Ability to enter profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database
- Ability to prepare standard and special reports and maintain report files
- Ability to assist with maintaining and repairing a variety of laboratory instruments
- Ability to exchange work-related information with law enforcement personnel, Officers of the Court, and other Forensic Scientists
- Ability to ensure technical operations and applications performed adhere to governing regulations, reflect sound technical judgment, and comply with all departmental policies and procedures
- Ability to recognize, value, and leverage the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others
- Ability to participate willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member
- Ability to build consensus
- Ability to foster team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust
- Ability to collaborate with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results
- Ability to express facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy
- Ability to actively listen, clarify information as needed
- Ability to share information, resources and solutions across departments
- Ability to ask for help early and offer it often
- Ability to collaborate across teams before decisions are made
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to public service
- Ability to serve and satisfy internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner
- Ability to establish, commit to, and maintain high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers
- Ability to support the Department/City's mission
- Ability to act quickly and follow through until the job is complete
- Ability to serve everyone with genuine respect, diligence and professionalism
- Ability to make decisions with the people we serve in mind
- Ability to persuade others
- Ability to build consensus through give and take
- Ability to gain cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals
- Ability to work with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences
- Ability to understand the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort
- Ability to lead through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome
- Ability to listen with curiosity and speak with care
- Ability to embrace different perspectives and lived experiences
- Ability to give feedback constructively and receive it openly
- Ability to set well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others
- Ability to display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work
- Ability to complete assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and deliver results
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior
- Ability to demonstrate understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities
- Ability to recognize opportunities and take action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes
- Ability to understand and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement
- Ability to collect, examine, analyze, and interpret data from a variety of sources
- Ability to make data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieve results
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