***This posting is open to current DPS Crime Lab employees only.***

***Copies of Official Transcripts indicating conferred degree are required and must be attached to your application to be considered. Applications without copies of Official Transcripts attached will be subject to rejection.***

***Position may telecommute up to 5 days per week.***

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Perform highly advanced (senior-level) work supporting DNA cold case efforts in conjunction with law enforcement and laboratories. Work involves overseeing case management of DNA cold cases, coordinating with laboratories to obtain additional DNA testing, conducting laboratory analysis, and performing outsource ownership reviews. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Evaluate and review cold cases for potential additional analysis that could create investigative leads with a focus on DNA analysis.

2. Oversee case management for cold cases and serve as a point of contact for laboratories and law enforcement partners to coordinate further investigation of cold cases.

3. Collaborate with laboratories to perform additional screening, extraction, STR and YSTR analysis for cold cases.

4. Ensure proper documentation, case and evidence tracking, and follow-up on leads generated through familial searching and of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy testing.

5. Complete outsource case reviews.

6. Perform biology/DNA related interpretation/comparison work. Perform reinterpretation of existing case data as it pertains to cold case evaluation.

7. Participate in proficiency testing and casework activities as required.

8. Participate in internal and external auditing.

9. May testify in court.

10. May serve as subject matter expert for major crimes and/or cold case review.

11. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

12. Perform other duties as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

Education – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree with Major or coursework emphasis in biology, chemistry, forensic science or related is required.

Experience –
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an authorized analyst interpreting DNA and issuing reports on interpretations. Experience should include DNA analysis and evaluation of cold cases.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in DNA interpretation of samples run with Investigator 24Plex or Globalfiler is required.
• Minimum 1 years’ experience in DNA interpretation of samples run with Y23 or Yfiler is required.
• Experience in project management and coordination of a group of individuals is preferred.

Licensure and/or Certification – If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.
• Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01.
• Must possess or be able to attain authorization in Profiler Plus/Cofiler, Identifiler, Minifiler, Identifiler Plus, Investigator 24plex, GlobaFiler, Yfiler, and Y23 kits within 6 months of hire.

Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures. Must have knowledge of local, state, and federal CODIS laws.

Supervisory/Managerial/Leadership skills – Knowledge of management/supervisory methods and principles, performance/productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Ability to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness. Ability to provide clear direction to others, promote teamwork and motivate others to accomplish goals.

Technology – Proficiency with Microsoft Office and appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems (e.g. CAPPS, SharePoint, CJIS and CODIS) and be able to learn new software/systems.

Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Must demonstrate DPS’ core values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.

Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations and/or communications to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.

Research and Comprehension – Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

Safety – Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

Schedule and Travel –This position may have the ability to telecommute based on the needs of the division/agency. Travel statewide is required.

PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Environment: Office/Indoors and/or Laboratory;
• Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit, reach, climb, balance kneel and crouch;
• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
• Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity;
• Ability to transfer weights of up to twenty (20) pounds anticipated for this position;
• Driving requirements: None; Occasional – short trips 1-2x/month.

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/

Current DPS employees who submit applications for posted DPS positions shall notify their immediate supervisor in writing.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.