DNA Analyst - Entry/Senior

Introduction

It is the mission of the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the public and ensure that justice is done. To continue to meet this mission, the principles of equity, inclusion, and employee well-being have become a foundation for all work performed at DOJ, on behalf of Wisconsinites.

The DOJ is committed to developing and supporting a workforce and culture that is rich in diversity and innovation. It is the department's goal is to ensure that all DOJ employees are empowered to be authentic, claim belonging, and thrive. This is your opportunity to make and be the difference. Click here to learn more about DOJ.

In addition to working with a dynamic group of people, we offer amazing benefits, such as excellent health insurance, ample paid leave, flexible work schedules, and an employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and resources to help promote wellness. Furthermore, employment within the state of Wisconsin provides job stability, work/life balance, and numerous intrinsic rewards from doing meaningful work.

The Division of Forensic Sciences is currently recruiting to fill a vacancy for a DNA Analyst at the Entry or Senior level to join their team. This position will be headquartered at the Madison Crime Laboratory, located at 4626 University Avenue, Madison, WI

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur over the next six months.

Application Deadline and Recruitment Contact: The deadline to apply for this job announcement is September 23, at 11:59pm. For any questions, please contact Megan Firari, Human Resources Specialist at or

Position Summary

Entry Level: This position is responsible for developing the skills to perform DNA analysis and import of reference DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This role consists of high volume, repetitive, detail-oriented assignments.This position requires the individual to build an understanding of how to maintain a repository of reference DNA profiles in the CODIS software and how to provide law enforcement with investigative leads. This position requires developing an understanding of how to correctly apply the statutes, rules, regulations, administrative codes, and standards required in the program area. In addition, DNA analysts will be responsible for writing detailed reports of results and conclusions. They may be called to testify in court as an expert witness.

Senior Level: This position is responsible for independently performing DNA analysis and import of reference DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This role consists of high volume, repetitive, detail-oriented assignments.This position is also responsible for maintaining a repository of reference DNA profiles in the CODIS software, providing law enforcement with investigative leads, and correctly applying the statutes, rules, regulations, administrative codes, and standards required in the program area. DNA analysts are responsible for writing detailed reports of results and conclusions and testifying in court as an expert witness to these reports. Senior DNA analysts must continue to develop their professional abilities with continued education and training in the relevant technologies. They are also required to assist in the administrative duties of the DNA Databank Unit including the QA/QC program, training, and validations.

Salary Information

The DNA Analyst classification is in pay schedule 15. Entry positions are in range 04, senior in range 03. Pay will be dependent on qualifications: entry positions will be between $27 and $30 per hour; senior will be between $30 and $36 per hour. Pay for former and current state employees will be in accordance with the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan. A 12-month probation may be required.

Job Details

The Department of Justice does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

A background check, including fingerprints, will be completed on applicants prior to selection.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science-related area, and must have successfully completed coursework (undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics and/or population genetics.

In addition to the Education Requirements listed above, minimally qualified candidates will also have training, education, or work experience in all the following areas:

• Working in a laboratory setting and routinely handling biological samples.
• Using computer software for business purposes (i.e. creating reports, conducting statistical analysis, using and maintain databases).
• Presenting complex or technical information in a variety of formats (e.g., verbal briefings, presentations, court testimony) to internal and external stakeholders.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, well-qualified candidates will also have a combination of the following:

• Using methodologies (i.e. DNA extraction, amplification, and electrophoresis) and instrumentation/software (i.e. thermal cyclers, capillary electrophoresis, CODIS) in a forensic DNA laboratory setting.
• Applying quality assurance and/or quality control program in a laboratory.
• Composing scientific reports (i.e. laboratory reports, research papers, publications)
• Testifying in court.

How To Apply

Apply online! To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Once logged in, click "Apply for Job" and follow the steps outlined in the application process. You will be required to submit a letter of qualifications and resume.

Each time you apply for a job; you should update and tailor your resume and letter of qualifications. You should clearly describe your education, training, and experience related to the items listed in the "Qualifications" section of the job announcement. These qualifications should be addressed in your resume and expanded upon in your letter of qualifications. This will allow a fuller assessment regarding your qualifications and those required for the job applying for.

Your resume should include the following:

• Your educational background including any course work that relates to the position in which you are applying.
• Your employment history, including experiences and/or duties and a summary of accomplishments and skills learned or used.
• Any training or experience, including volunteer work or internships, you have related specifically to the "Qualifications" section of the assessment.
• Spell out any acronyms and/or abbreviations the first time used.

Your letter of qualifications should include:

• Additional information regarding your past work experience, including volunteer work and internships, or coursework you have taken.
• Highlights of your most relevant skills and experiences as they related to the specific job you are applying for.
• Specific examples that clearly demonstrates your level of expertise.

What not to include in your resume or letter of qualifications:

Your application materials should not include any information that is not job-related, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, creed, disability, or genetic information. Further, do not include any self-identifying information such as photos, social security numbers, political affiliation, citizen status, or conviction records.

Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the process. References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place.

NOTE: Current/former State employees interested in a permissive transfer, demotion or reinstatement consideration must also apply.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for positions. If any questions arise, please contact Megan Firari, Human Resources or .

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply for this job announcement is September 23, at 11:59 PM.

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.