What does a dna analyst do?
Dna analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real dna analyst resumes:
- Ensure CODIS sample preparation and organic extraction of DNA daily metrics are achieved and maintain.
- Address CODIS software and network issues throughout Wisconsin.
- Monitor quality of reagents in a LIMS tracking system.
- Process convict offender DNA profiles for entry into CODIS.
- Collect data from the capillary electrophoresis machine and interpret the ladders, controls and data for each sample.
- Train to use standard operating procedures and policy and procedure to analyze capillary electrophoresis data for several different clients.
- Update a previously poor quality compliance documentation system to exceed good laboratory practice, nearly meeting site GMP quality standard expectations.
- Train laboratory staff to perform organic extractions, sample preparation, high throughput processing.
- Go to areas where accidents/ deaths occur.
Dna analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of DNA Analysts are proficient in Extraction, DNA Analysis, and Lab Equipment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Math and science skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of DNA Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Extraction, 10%
Trained laboratory staff to perform organic extractions, sample preparation, high throughput processing.
- DNA Analysis, 10%
Provide training to law enforcement agencies regarding DNA analysis techniques, DNA evidence collection, and crime scene evaluation and processing.
- Lab Equipment, 8%
Maintain instrumentation and lab equipment.
- Proficiency Testing, 8%
Developed protocols for proficiency testing, training, and technical troubleshooting.
- Lims, 7%
Utilized internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
- ABI, 7%
Validate new ABI 7000 instrument for precision and sensitivity.
"extraction," "dna analysis," and "lab equipment" are among the most common skills that dna analysts use at work. You can find even more dna analyst responsibilities below, including:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a dna analyst to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "forensic science technicians must be able to notice small changes in mundane objects to be good at collecting and analyzing evidence." Dna analysts often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "composed detailed analytical reports to law enforcement and state attorney's offices. "
Math and science skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling dna analyst duties is math and science skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze evidence." According to a dna analyst resume, here's how dna analysts can utilize math and science skills in their job responsibilities: "provide scene evaluation and processing, as well as evidence collection and packaging. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for dna analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how dna analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "forensic science technicians use scientific tests and methods to help law enforcement officials solve crimes." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a dna analyst: "led a team and solved decades old complex cold cases employing hereditary statistical analysis. ".
Communication skills. dna analyst responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "forensic science technicians write reports and testify in court." This resume example shows what dna analysts do with communication skills on a typical day: "utilized internal lims computer database for data entry and communication. "
The three companies that hire the most dna analysts are:
- CACI International2 dna analysts jobs
- Envistacom
2 dna analysts jobs
- Eurofins1 dna analysts jobs
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Compare different dna analysts
Dna analyst vs. Forensic computer examiner
With the arrival of the computer age came a plethora of crimes. Forensic computer examiners collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams, and identify theft. As a forensic computer examiner, you will tackle cyber-crimes. In doing this, you must adhere strictly to the standards of evidence gathering found in general forensic science, being that legal cases depend on the integrity of evidence. Investigative and report writing skills will also be much-needed assets.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a dna analyst are more likely to require skills like "dna analysis," "lab equipment," "lims," and "abi." On the other hand, a job as a forensic computer examiner requires skills like "digital forensics," "ftk," "computer forensics," and "dod." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Forensic computer examiners earn the highest salaries when working in the insurance industry, with an average yearly salary of $91,009. On the other hand, dna analysts are paid more in the health care industry with an average salary of $58,853.The education levels that forensic computer examiners earn slightly differ from dna analysts. In particular, forensic computer examiners are 8.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a dna analyst. Additionally, they're 1.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Dna analyst vs. Computer forensics technician
A Computer Forensics Technician investigates cases from a digital perspective. They specialize in gathering and analyzing digital evidence from devices such as computers, flash drives, cell phones, tablets, and other technologies. There are also instances where they use special software and tools, recover or retrieve files, and unseal documents while adhering to government laws and regulations. When it comes to employment, they may work for government agencies, law enforcement, or even private investigators.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that dna analyst responsibilities requires skills like "dna analysis," "lab equipment," "electrophoresis," and "rt-pcr." But a computer forensics technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "test order," "digital evidence," "worksheets," and "laboratory equipment."
On average, computer forensics technicians earn a lower salary than dna analysts. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, computer forensics technicians earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $47,898. Whereas dna analysts have higher pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $58,853.In general, computer forensics technicians achieve lower levels of education than dna analysts. They're 19.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Dna analyst vs. Latent fingerprint examiner
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, dna analysts are more likely to have skills like "extraction," "dna analysis," "lab equipment," and "proficiency testing." But a latent fingerprint examiner is more likely to have skills like "afis," "identification system," "fingerprint cards," and "latent prints."
When it comes to education, latent fingerprint examiners tend to earn lower degree levels compared to dna analysts. In fact, they're 22.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Dna analyst vs. Forensic document examiner
Even though a few skill sets overlap between dna analysts and forensic document examiners, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a dna analyst might have more use for skills like "extraction," "dna analysis," "lab equipment," and "proficiency testing." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of forensic document examiners require skills like "customer service," "rec," "live scan," and "administrative tasks. "
Forensic document examiners reach lower levels of education compared to dna analysts, in general. The difference is that they're 12.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of dna analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
