DNA Technical Leader

Posting Close Date :

Applicants must submit their completed application by 11-22-2025 at 11 : 59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a résumé, cover letter, AND provide transcripts at the time of the application. Applications that do not include all three documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

SAVE THE DATES : Screening Panel Interviews will be held the week of December 8th, 2025.

Candidates must have a master’s degree in a biology-, chemistry- or forensic science-related area. The DNA Technical Leader must have successfully completed nine (9) credit hours of coursework in biology- or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis. The DNA Technical Leader must have successfully completed coursework in statistics or population genetics. The required coursework shall include at least one graduate level course.

At least 3 years of forensic human DNA laboratory experience obtained in a Forensic DNA casework laboratory as a qualified analyst (current or previous) on forensic samples.

Most current FBI-sponsored auditor training must be completed within 1 year of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment of this position.

The DNA Technical Leader must be currently or previously qualified analyst in each technology utilized in the laboratory, or have documented training in each technology utilized in the laboratory within one year of appointment.

Successful completion of a background check by the FBI is required for use of the CODIS database.

Terminal Operator Certification Level C – Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) must be obtained within six (6) months of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.

Completion of the ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) Forensic Internal Auditor or External Assessor ISO / IEC 17025 : 2017.

Completion of the FBI’s DNA auditor training course.

Completion of 40 hours of continuing education and development specific to leadership, management and training, from the following providers American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD), Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), GAP Science, City of Tucson Ignite or equivalent.

Demonstrated experience with assisting with and / or performing validations in a forensic DNA setting.

Demonstrated experience with conducting internal audits.

Demonstrated experience with conducting external assessments.

Pre-Employment Medical Testing Requirements :

Respirator Physical

Hep B Vaccine / Titer

Non-NIDA Drug Test

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Summary

The DNA Technical Leader position at the City of Tucson’s Police Department supervises and coordinates operations in an accredited forensic crime laboratory that specializes in forensic biology deoxynucleic acid (DNA) analysis.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Crime Laboratory Superintendent. This position exercises supervision over the DNA unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises quality assurance and control programs, ensuring compliance with Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation requirements. Evaluates non-conformance issues in programs, manages corrective actions, and ensures proficiency testing programs are implemented. Troubleshoots and resolves analytical, technical, and instrumentation issues, ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation requirements, initiating, suspending, and resuming DNA analytical operations as needed. Reviews technical publications and presentations to remain current on advancements in DNA analysis and apply relevant policies and procedures.
• Researches and assesses new technologies, designs internal validation studies, and recommends implementation for use on forensic DNA casework. Approves technical specifications for maintenance, service, and outsourcing agreements. Reviews, approves, and implements the equipment calibration program, ensuring compliance to operational standards.
• Ensures optimized laboratory performance by assisting with the hiring, training, and coaching of employees. Assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities, and makes recommendations for disciplinary action. Evaluates and supervises employee performance, identifies opportunities and personnel issues, and facilitates resolutions. Develops training plans for DNA unit personnel, documents progress evaluations, and ensures necessary re-training. Reviews and verifies academic transcripts for new forensic DNA personnel, ensuring their compliance with the training program, competency development, and adherence to continuing education requirements. Reviews and updates the Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the unit. Reviews timecards, leave requests, and coordinates the work in DNA unit. Assists with resource allocation, communicating needs with leadership including grant funding, budget and equipment needs.
• Ensures compliance with accreditation requirements during audits of the laboratory by reviewing audit documents and addressing findings. Provides audit documentation and communicates necessary corrective action to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for approval of laboratory’s continued participation in federal programs and grants.
• Performs DNA analysis on evidence related to investigations, utilizing advanced instrumentation and robotics for liquid handling. Quantifies DNA using advanced methods, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). Examines, identifies, and evaluates potential evidence utilizing physical, chemical, microscopic, and molecular biology visualization techniques. Interprets complex genetic data using Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) software and provides statistical analysis for inclusion or exclusion in casework. Determines DNA profiles suitable for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database to provide possible investigative leads. Authors technical case reports and reviews casework performed by forensic DNA personnel, ensuring compliance with QAS.
• Prepares exhibits for courtroom, communicates with officers and attorneys, and provides expert courtroom testimony regarding DNA analysis. Accompanies forensic scientists delivering expert testimonies, evaluates their performance and provides feedback.
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders including law enforcement, criminal justice agencies and the public when applicable. Gathers data from various information systems to resolve issues related to DNA analysis and respond to information requests from customers. Delivers crime laboratory tours and training for commissioned and professional personnel, educational institutions, and the public. Provides training to law enforcement partners such as forensic nurse examiners and victim advocates. Participates in state and national technical working groups on forensic DNA analysis and research.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

This classification works in a full-service Crime Laboratory, accredited in accordance with ANAB Forensic Testing : ISO / IEC 17025 : 2017 / AR 3125 : 2023 Standards and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Masters degree

Three (3) years of directly related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area.

At least 3 years of forensic human DNA laboratory experience obtained in a Forensic DNA casework laboratory as a qualified analyst (current or previous) on forensic samples.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J6327 - DNA Technical Leader

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click .

Compensation Grade

G110

Hourly Range

$35.37 - 53.05 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education / training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Department Link

NA

Background Check : This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits : The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at

Citizenship : The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Veterans / Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at or 520-791-2619.

Recruiter Name

Randy Esslinger (50607)

Recruiter Email

NA

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.