STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Laboratory Assistant 3 (40 Hour)

Durational

Recruitment #230914-5238FK-001

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Introduction


Are you looking to grow your scientific career with DESPP?

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Laboratory Assistant 3 vacancy to join our team within the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT.

Position Highlights
  • This is a grant-funded position with an end date of September 30, 2024, located within the Forensic Biology/DNA Unit of the Division of Scientific Services.
  • There is an expectation that the position may be funded beyond the end date through a grant extension.
  • This position is full-time, 40 hours per week on first shift, scheduled Monday to Friday.
About Us
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.

The Division of Scientific Services provides forensic support to local, state and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. This division is divided into three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and arson), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including computer crimes).

The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: the Quality section and the Laboratory Support Services section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management).

Selection Plan

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Important Information After You Apply:
  • Candidate selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees: 
  • Two (2) most recent performance evaluations 
  • Cover Letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13
  • Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Click here CT-HR-13 to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum. The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field. Also considered in this selection process: Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records. Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process.  
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Connect With Us:
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Nick Naples at Nicholas.Naples@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state health, academic or diagnostic laboratory this class is accountable for performing a range of technical laboratory work with emphasis on special techniques and more complex technical examinations involving independent calculations, more advanced laboratory equipment and analytical judgements.

In an academic institution laboratory complex this class is accountable for preparing and maintaining student laboratories.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Administrative Casework 
  • Query LIMS to determine daily FB submissions
  • Physically and electronically transfer to appropriate locations:
    • SAKs (daily)
    • Swab only cases (daily)
    • Autopsy submissions (weekly)
    • Anonymous TOX kits (daily, as received)
  • Photocopy all sides of SAK packaging. 
  • Triage SAK and autopsy paperwork. Determine if anonymous and whether male screen or body fluid testing needed. Modify LIMS requests as appropriate.
  • Create case jackets for each SAK. Assign body fluid SAKs to FB examiners according to rotation list.
Casework
  • CT100 Kit Prep Requests – Examine SAKs
  • Conduct Male Screen testing
    • Extractions, quantifications and concentrations
    • Testing to be phased out October; LA3s currently being trained in #3.
  • Conduct DNA processing of SA samples
    • Differential extraction, quantification, amplification and capillary electrophoresis
  • Database offender card pouching
  • Biweekly laboratory cleaning
  • Defrosting and reorganizing freezers and refrigerators as needed.
SAKI Specific
  • Serves as lab representatives on SAKI Working Group (SAKIWG) and SAKI TTA team; Generate agendas above meetings and present laboratory updates.
  • Attends Track-Kit meetings; will serve as POC for medical facilities, victim advocates and law enforcement for Track-Kit related questions.
  • Serves as POC for law enforcement and medical facilities re: SAK submissions and related issues.
  • Responsible for CT100 and CT400 kit ordering from manufacturer; Ensures each medical facility across state has adequate supply.
  • Trainings/Presentations
    • Formulate and present semi-annual Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) trainings.
    • Formulate and present annual SA training at POST to law enforcement
    • Formulate and present Track-Kit training to law enforcement, medical facilities and States Attorneys for implementation; Will entail numerous presentations for state-wide implementation followed by semi-annual reoccurring presentation.
    • Serve as designee for additional requested trainings (i.e. – Defense, SAO, etc.)
  • Monitor and coordinate work of OCSA SAKI Analyst (Roz), SAKI victim coordinator (Amanda) and other lab SAKI personnel (LA1 & Office Assistant).
    • Review complete cases for ISI requests and logging responses
    • Shipment of kits – Checking the voicemail and SAKTracking email daily for requests, packing and sending kits, logging in details of shipment on two excel sheets and in Trackpad.
    • 30-day case updates to management every 2 weeks
    • Data Tracking of kits coming in daily – Excel and Trackpad
    • Reviewing CODIS hits and adding to appropriate grant tracking sheet if applicable
    • Sending CODIS hits to Roz 
  • Ensure all SAKs in state are accounted for on regular basis; Conduct annual master inventory. 
  • Work with Deputy Directors to ensure each SAKI grant meeting goals including but not limited to:
    • 2019 SAKI – Tracking & finalizing all data
    • 2021 SAKI – finalize modification; Track-Kit implementation
    • 2022 SAKI – coordinate upcoming interviews, site visits and implementation plan from TTA.
    • Coordinate with OCSA Analyst to generate CODIS Fact Sheet
    • Generate Anonymous SAK Fact Sheet
    • Assist with Technical Guidelines re-write concerning kit modifications
    • Provide quarterly PMTs and Progress Narratives for each active grant.     

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of specialized laboratory techniques and procedures; 
  • Ability to
    • make independent analytical judgements and carry out independent calculations; 
    • prepare reports and keep technical records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience in laboratory work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a related laboratory setting at the level of Laboratory Assistant 2 or above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in the biological or physical sciences may be substituted for the General or Special Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience performing quality control testing of reagents;
  • Experience with differential extractions using automated robotics;
  • Experience working with confidential or privileged information such as names, dates of birth, address, personal financial information, medical records or test results;
  • Experience conducting forensic evidence screening;
  • Experience utilizing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must be willing to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases as necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment; may be exposed to some risk of injury from such elements as toxic vapors and toxic and/or disease-carrying substances; may be exposed to moderately disagreeable conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.




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