Assistant Program Manager - Forensic Biology - Division of Technical Services - CF701 (Agency Only)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Hanover, VA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. The primary duty station for this position is expected to be the Central Laboratory. However, for up to one year, another regional laboratory may serve as the temporary primary duty station, with regular travel to the Central Laboratory required. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified Assistant Program Manager within the Forensic Biology Program of the Division of Technical Services (DTS). This position plays a critical role in supporting the Forensic Biology Program Manager to ensure laboratory operations maintain compliance with accreditation standards and act as a technical resource to the Forensic Biology staff statewide. This position also serves as Supervisor of the State CODIS Administrator. In addition, this position will independently perform comprehensive scientific analyses on a wide range of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies, utilizing state-of-the-art knowledge of methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation for forensic biology sample analysis. This position also interprets results, prepares detailed reports for use by the criminal justice system, develops court exhibits, and testifies in court as an expert witness. Occasional overnight travel will be required, and the employee will be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area
• College courses (graduate or undergraduate level) totaling at least nine credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis as well as coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics
• Forensic human DNA laboratory experience commensurate with authorized responsibilities
• Successful completion of a documented forensic biology training program and demonstration of competency
• Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze forensic biology samples
• Comprehensive understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the FBI Quality Assurance Standards, and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Certification as a U.S. DOJ/FBI Quality Assurance Standards Auditor
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures
• Strong written and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, set priorities and work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze and interpret data, and develop conclusions
• Willingness and ability to foster and mentor staff and promote a positive teamwork environment
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Experience in forensic related teaching/training
• Experience supervising and/or leading technical staff
• Qualification as a Forensic ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125 Technical Assessor
• Experience conducting audits and/or assessments
• Experience conducting validation studies, validation design, and/or review
• Experience with quality system operations to include competence in navigating Ideagen Quality Management (Qualtrax) Software

Responsibilities

• Support the Forensic Biology Program Manager to ensure laboratory operations maintain compliance with accreditation standards.
• Act as a technical resource to the Forensic Biology staff statewide.
• Serve as Supervisor of the State CODIS Administrator.
• Independently perform comprehensive scientific analyses on a wide range of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies.
• Utilize state-of-the-art knowledge of methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation for forensic biology sample analysis.
• Interpret results.
• Prepare detailed reports for use by the criminal justice system.
• Develop court exhibits.
• Testify in court as an expert witness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level