Investigative Analyst

About the role

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for an Investigative Analyst in the Forensic Sciences Unit. In this position, the Investigative Analyst is responsible for providing highly skilled analytical support to the Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) assigned FSU. The Investigative Analyst will work independently to handle incoming DNA matches and reports, serve as the office-wide liaison to FID and the OCME, and help detectives and ADAs solve no-arrest complaints and build cases with DNA evidence.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Manage information in DNA Hits, a web-based application that allows the Office of Chief Medical Examiner's Forensic Biology (DNA) Lab to simultaneously notify the DANY and NYPD of DNA matches that occur through the local, state, and national DNA databases. This includes analyzing matches, determining whether a match is probative, obtaining police paperwork, coordinating information with other jurisdictions where matches occur, contacting investigators, analyzing offenders' criminal records, and assisting ADAs in obtaining all relevant documents and reports for Grand Jury presentations and trial.
• Assist Unit Chief and other ADAs in trial preparation for cold case indictments, including interviewing witnesses, obtaining evidence, performing background checks, preparing exhibits for trial and assisting at trial.
• Serve as administrative liaison between DANY and the OCME, as well as our office and the NYPD Forensic Investigative Division, which houses evidence intake, the ballistics, narcotics and trace evidence labs, and the latent print development unit. This includes receiving, analyzing, and distributing all lab reports to the relevant ADA, and monitoring all special requests for testing of evidence.
• Maintain up-to-date logs of all received DNA lab reports, DNA deferral letters, and hit notifications.
• Attend meetings of the NYS Forensic Science Commission and meetings related to NYPD's Forensic Investigative Division to help manage laboratory issues.
• Manage DANYNET for FS/CCU. This includes reading, cataloguing, and uploading documents for the FS/CCU library.
• Manage DNA Evidence Management Program (DEMP) and train paralegals office-wide in use of the program, which locates vouchers and tracks evidence testing.
• Review cases flagged from ECAB as involving forensic evidence.
• Assist FS/CCU ADAs with all phases of trial preparation, including research for Frye scientific admissibility hearings and preparation of evidence exhibits.
• Assist Unit Chief in preparation of training materials for both office-wide and out of office presentations, including PowerPoint and written materials.
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Level 1 - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and one (1) year of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.
• Level 2 - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.
• Level 3 - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and three (3) years of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.

*Master's degree can be substituted for years of experience. *

Preferred Requirements/Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Superior writing and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various police and civilian forensic laboratories to build institutional relationships, facilitate cooperation, and obtain information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel and other programs.
• Proficiency in Internet search strategies and techniques.
• Ability to communicate investigative results to ADAs and facilitate their successful use of laboratory test results.
• Experience as a DANY TPA is helpful.

How to Apply

• Apply with a Cover Letter, Resume & Transcript.

Hours/Shift

• 35 hours a week, 9 am to 5 pm in person.

Additional Information

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Qualification Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.