Senior Forensic DNA Analyst, Lead

Omaha, NE 68104In-Person
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
  • 5 years of experience in an accredited forensic DNA laboratory.
  • Forensic DNA certification required.
  • Experience with validation studies and quality assurance systems.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in a forensic context.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical operations of the Human DNA Identification Laboratory.
  • Ensure compliance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards as Technical Leader.
  • Perform and supervise complex forensic DNA testing.
  • Develop and validate new testing methodologies.
  • Provide training and support for laboratory personnel.
  • Deliver expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Benefits

  • Full-time regular position with a structured work schedule.
  • Opportunity for scientific leadership in a high-stakes forensic context.
  • Contributions to advanced forensic methodologies and quality assurance.
  • Collaboration with a team of skilled forensic professionals.
  • Chance to influence the integrity of justice through accurate DNA analysis.
Full Job Description
Requisition Details

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION

Location
Omaha, NE

Requisition Number:
Staff_14946

Department
Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology 50000521

Business Unit
College of Medicine

Reg-Temp
Full-Time Regular

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Remote/Telecommuting
No remote/telecommuting opportunity

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Forensic Services, the Technical Lead is responsible for the technical operation of the Human DNA Identification (HDI) Laboratory and serves as the laboratory's designated Technical Leader in accordance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards. The Technical Lead provides scientific leadership, technical oversight, training support, validation support, to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and scientifically defensible forensic DNA results. This position performs and oversees complex forensic DNA testing, develops and validates new methodologies, supports quality assurance activities, and provides expert testimony in criminal proceedings.

Position Details

Additional Information

Posting Category
Healthcare

Working Title
Senior Forensic DNA Analyst, Lead

Job Title
Health Care Specialist

Salary Grade
HC25S

Appointment Type
B1 - REG MGR PROF SALARY

Salary Range
$73,400 - $110,100/annual

Job Requisition Begin Date
08/25/2026

Application Review Date
09/01/2026

Review Date Information:

Initial application review will begin on the date provided in the field above. Applications received prior to this review date will be considered. Applications received after the review date may be considered.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education:
Bachelor's degree

If any degree major/training is required, please specify the type. (NOTE: Concentration and minors are not equivalent to a major)

Chemical, Physical, Biological or Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology
  • At least one graduate level course registering 3 or more credit hours (Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry)
  • Course work or training in forensics analysis, statistics and/or population genetics.


Required Experience
5 years

If any experience is required, please specify what kind of experience:
  • Experience as a qualified analyst in an accredited forensic DNA laboratory to include experience with validation studies, quality assurance systems, and accreditation requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience in forensic DNA interpretation and courtroom testimony.
  • Experience training and mentoring forensic laboratory personnel.
  • Requirements must satisfy current FBI Quality Assurance Standards for designation as a Technical Leader.


Required License
Yes

If yes, what is the required licensure/certification?

Forensic DNA certification

Required Computer Applications:
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook

Required Other Computer Applications:

Required Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Scientific knowledge: Proficiency in molecular biology, genetics, and DNA analysis techniques such as PCR and sequencing. Comprehensive knowledge of scientific theory to perform and evaluate highly complex testing and results.
  • Analytical skills: Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail to interpret DNA evidence accurately.
  • Technical proficiency: Ability to operate complex laboratory equipment and maintain quality control standards. Ability to follow strict protocols regarding the custody of evidence, testing procedures and reporting guidelines.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills: Clear communication of findings to non-experts and stakeholders as required for laboratory results, case notes, and court testimony.
  • Attention to detail: Critical for detecting errors and ensuring the integrity of DNA evidence.
  • Ability to work as an active team member and lead, reporting results and issues to supervisor and working well with other professionals.
  • Experience with professional expert testimony in courts of law.
  • Knowledge of DNA FBI QAS documents and ANAB ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.


Preferred Education:
Master's degree

If any degree/training is preferred, please specify the type:

Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, or other related science

Preferred Experience:
  • Experience serving as a Technical Leader, Technical Reviewer, or DNA Laboratory Supervisor.
  • Experience with probabilistic genotyping software and complex mixture interpretation.
  • Experience with forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) technologies and kinship analysis.
  • Must complete FBI's DNA auditor training course within one year of appointment.


Preferred License:
No

If yes, what is the preferred licensure/certification?:

Preferred Computer Applications:
Not Applicable

Preferred Other Computer Applications:
GMIDX, STRmix or other probabilistic genotyping software, JusticeTrax or other LIMS

Preferred Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to train and indirectly supervise other laboratory staff and QC activities.
  • Knowledge of working in an academic institution.


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