Just like every career, there are responsibilities of a DNA Analyst. They update their strategies via lectures, forensic functions, and seminars.
Nonetheless, DNA analysts must undergo the necessary training to handle and apply the equipment associated with forensic science.
They must have in-depth knowledge of different stages of DNA analysis and be conversant with scientific procedures and applications like using biological data like tissue, organic samples like hair follicles, skin cells, or body fluids to identify people.
They must have a first degree in sciences or related fields like biochemistry, molecular biology, or genetics.
A DNA analyst typically works in the laboratory, and they study evidence from scene technicians, investigators, or police officers.
They usually work with the central crime laboratory, local law enforcement agencies, Universities, police, sheriff, commercial entities, the FBI, biotechnology companies, or any criminal investigative agency.
In this article, we will discuss the responsibilities of a DNA analyst.
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The Responsibilities Of A DNA Analyst
A DNA analyst is a meticulous job and, as such, has responsibilities. Here is a list of responsibilities of a DNA analyst :
- DNA analysts spend their days compiling. They work to separate DNA strands from samples and compare those with known pieces to search for similar ones.
- They also review their peers’ experiences evaluate and evaluate results.
- Some must gather evidence at the crime scene, and many testify to their findings in court.
- They may have to show up at the scene to help gather evidence, but law enforcement officials usually do this.
- DNA analysts must identify, classify, and copy small amounts of DNA within biological evidence.
- Then they compare the fibers with the fibers from a known source to determine whether there are any similarities.
- DNA analysts can place criminals at the scene, identify victims, and determine whether the missing or deceased victim was somewhere, such as a car or a home.
- DNA analysts prepare and analyze DNA in criminal evidence.
- They interpret the outcome of their DNA analysis and often need to testify as expert witnesses to their findings.
- They also follow quality control procedures closely to ensure laboratory accuracy.
- They carry out their activities in a laboratory.
- Examining biological materials
- They write report
- They provide courtroom testimony.
- Working with law enforcement entities
- Working closely with other forensic scientists
- Using sensitive lab and computer equipment
- Preparing reports containing evidence analysis results, conclusions, and recommendations for further investigation
- Conducting tests on human remains to determine identity using samples such as bones, teeth, or organs
- Conducting experiments to develop new techniques in forensic science
- Operating forensic computer systems to search databases, enter data, and analyze results
- Collecting blood, saliva, semen, hair, fingerprints, and other physical evidence from crime scenes
- Examining documents such as wills, birth certificates, and land deeds to determine authenticity
- Collecting samples of blood, hair, nails, or other materials from crime scenes to test for DNA, fiber, chemical residue, or other substances that may be effective as evidence in court cases
- Using chemical tests to identify unknown substances found at crime scenes
- Analyzing DNA samples using established protocols to determine whether they match previously recorded samples from known individuals
- DNA analysts prepare and analyze DNA in criminal evidence. They need to testify as expert witnesses to their findings.
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How Important Is DNA To DNA Analysts?
DNA can be in biological substances, including vomit, feces, saliva, semen, blood, sweat, mucus, skin, and even ear wax.
These materials are not needed in large quantities, and DNA analysts can work with a minimal amount.
Any environment that a person encounters may contain a measure of biodiversity. As a result, analysts undergo training to obtain all kinds of biological evidence for testing in all objects and environments.
Analysts distinguish biological material and DNA evidence from various sources, such as clothing, hats, brakes, accelerator pedals, and weapons.
DNA is crucial for identifying and eliminating suspects. Due to scientific advances, DNA analysts can determine the accuracy associated with their profile similarity.
More importantly, those they falsely accuse can say with absolute certainty if there is no chance of profile matching.
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Conclusion
It is essential to note that the career concerning DNA forensics is evolving, forcing DNA analysts to know modern and advanced methods.
It is therefore essential for DNA analysts to acquaint themselves with modern techniques.