Crime Lab Supervisor

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory is seeking a qualified and motivated Crime Laboratory Supervisor to serve in the DNA Forensics Unit. This position provides direct supervision over Crime Laboratory Analysts and may also supervise other laboratory personnel assigned to the unit. The Crime Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing forensic DNA casework, ensuring that biological evidence is analyzed, interpreted, documented, reviewed, and reported in accordance with laboratory policies, accreditation requirements, quality assurance standards, and validated scientific methods. This position plays a key role in maintaining the technical quality, consistency, and integrity of DNA analysis performed by the unit. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of forensic DNA analysis, sound judgment, effective leadership skills, and a demonstrated commitment to scientific accuracy, quality, accountability, and public service. This position requires the ability to guide analysts through complex casework, support quality and training initiatives, evaluate procedures and instrumentation, and ensure that valid scientific conclusions are reached and properly reported.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and an additional twelve semester hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics or pharmacology plus four years of professional level crime laboratory experience.
Graduate training in qualifying fields will substitute for one year of the required experience on the basis of thirty semester hours for one year of experience; a combination of coursework is allowed.
Applicants must meet the current educational requirements of the hiring agency’s accrediting body for the laboratory.
Criminal justice is not considered a qualifying educational field.
Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

Supervising Crime Laboratory Analysts and other assigned laboratory staff in the DNA Forensics Unit.
Overseeing the examination, analysis, interpretation, documentation, review, and reporting of biological evidence and DNA results.
Ensuring that valid conclusions are drawn from scientific analysis and that casework is completed in accordance with laboratory policies, accreditation requirements, quality assurance standards, and approved technical procedures.
Reviewing case records, analytical data, reports, and related documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Monitoring casework progress, assigning work, evaluating productivity, and helping ensure the timely completion of forensic analyses.
Providing technical guidance and direction to analysts regarding evidence handling, testing strategy, interpretation, reporting, and corrective actions when needed.
Participating in or overseeing competency, proficiency, training, and continuing education activities for assigned personnel.
Evaluating methods, procedures, software, equipment, and instrumentation used in forensic DNA analysis, and recommending new or modified analytical procedures when appropriate.
Assisting with the development, revision, and implementation of unit policies, procedures, methods, and technical practices.
Identifying technical or quality concerns and taking appropriate action, including halting or restricting work when necessary.
Preparing or reviewing summaries, reports, and technical documentation related to forensic analyses.
Testifying as an expert witness in state and federal courts and giving depositions regarding forensic DNA analysis and related laboratory work.
Reviewing courtroom testimony in accordance with laboratory policy, accreditation requirements, and applicable standards.
Supporting the laboratory’s mission by promoting scientific integrity, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement within the DNA Forensics Unit.