DNA Analysis Team Lead

Company: City of Charlotte
Location: Charlotte
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Date Opened: Thursday, March 05, 2026 12:00 AM Close Date: Sunday, April 05, 2026 12:00 AM Department: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Salary: $91,736.00 - $114,670.00 Commensurate with Experience Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions SUMMARY The DNA Analysis Team Leader is an advanced technical and supervisory position directing the work of a specialist section in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited forensic laboratory. The responsibilities of this position include participating in the analysis of criminal evidence using advanced laboratory techniques and assisting the Chief Criminalist with the day-to-day supervision of analysts and support staff. This position is also responsible for helping to oversee the technical operations within the Biology Section and ensuring compliance with laboratory procedures, state and federal regulations, and the accreditation standards of an ANAB and the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee the technical operations of the DNA laboratory. Initiate, suspend, and resume technical operations for the laboratory or an individual, and, when applicable, a Rapid DNA partner agency. Evaluate and approve all validations (including software) and new or modified methods used in DNA testing. Review the training records for newly qualified DNA analysts, technicians and technical reviewers and approve their qualifications prior to independent casework analysis. Review, verify, and approve the education (including a review of academic transcripts) and experience for newly qualified DNA analysts and technical reviewers. Approve any modifications to a DNA analyst’s, technical reviewer’s, technicians, or laboratory support personnel’s required training based on the documented assessment of the individual’s previous training and experience. Evaluate the need for and assess the extent of retraining and approve the retraining plan of a DNA analyst, technical reviewer, technician, or laboratory support personnel. Approve the technical specifications for outsourcing agreements. Review internal and external DNA Audit Documents and, if applicable, approve corrective action(s). Review, on an annual basis, the procedures of the laboratory. Review and approve the training, quality assurance, and DNA proficiency testing programs. Review any inconclusive conclusion on a DNA proficiency test for compliance with laboratory guidelines. Approve continuing education based on multimedia or internet delivery. Approve a program for the annual review of scientific literature. Review potential conflicts of interest when contract employees are employed by multiple NDIS participating and/or vendor laboratories. Oversee maintenance and quality control of DNA instrumentation and reagents. Troubleshoots technical issues with DNA instrumentation and reagents. Screen evidence to locate and identify body fluid and tissue stains. Performs complex laboratory analyses of evidence obtained from crime scenes or elsewhere; uses advanced laboratory techniques, materials, and analytical instrumentation in the analysis and typing of DNA from body fluids and tissues. Evaluate and formulate independent opinions concerning body fluid evidence and DNA. Complete reports of analyses and communicate results to appropriate department personnel. Provide expert court testimony relating to results of analyses and graphic illustrations for court use. Review the work of others for technical correctness and completeness. Perform on-site visits or evaluate and approve an on-site visit performed by a designated employee or coordinated by an FBI employee. Coordinate the outsourcing program to include the review of the vendor laboratory’s compliance documentation, approval of the technical specifications and serve as the point of contact for external laboratories. Oversee technical operations of the Forensic Rapid DNA Program and document the interrelationship with the Laboratory Rapid DNA Administrator. Stay knowledgeable of topics relevant to the field of forensic DNA analysis by attending seminars, courses, professional meetings, or other documented lectures or classes in relevant subject areas for a minimum of eight cumulative hours each calendar year. Directly supervise Biology personnel to include administrative oversight of casework, performance evaluation, and monitoring of annual departmental goals and performance indicators. Performs other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: Master's Degree in a biology-, chemistry-, or forensic science-related area Successfully completed at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology- or chemistry-related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis. Successfully completed coursework in statistics or population genetics. The required coursework should include at least one graduate level course. Minimum of three (3) years of documented, human-DNA laboratory experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited crime laboratory. Preferred Qualifications: Successful completion of the FBI sponsored QAS auditor training and/or previous managerial experience. Five (5) years of documented, forensic human-DNA laboratory experience in an ANAB or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited crime laboratory. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in forensic evidence testing. Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness. Knowledge of Quality Control procedures and Quality Assurance principles; knowledge of ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. Ability to communicate effectively, to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner and to create comprehensive understandable reports of findings. Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies and the ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances. Considerable knowledge of statistics as related to DNA analysis of forensic samples. ADA and Other Requirements: Positions in this class typically require grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Physical Requirements: Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish tasks. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to exchange information. Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. Light to moderate lifting and carrying. Work primarily in office environment. Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and phone. Ability to see, hear, and communicate information effectively Sensory Requirements: Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proofreading, data entry, tabulating data. Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain. Comprehend written information in work-related documents. Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech. Working Conditions: Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions, moderate exposure to environmental conditions, and frequent exposure to computer screens, files and phones. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably. HOW TO APPLY Apply online. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. BENEFITS The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Keywords: City of Charlotte, Columbia , DNA Analysis Team Lead, Science, Research & Development , Charlotte, South Carolina