Deputy Director of Forensic Biology and DNA

State of Connecticut • Meriden, CT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Director directs the staff and operations of the DNA and forensic biology units within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services. The role coordinates, plans, and manages division activities; formulates program goals and policies; interprets and administers applicable laws; evaluates staff; prepares the section budget; and maintains internal and external contacts relevant to program operations.

The Deputy Director maintains compliance with laboratory policies and applicable FBI Quality Assurance Standards, ANAB or other current laboratory accreditation requirements, ISO/IEC 17025, and SWGDAM guidance. The position maintains the accreditation program and CODIS requirements, ensures instruments and techniques are validated, researches new methodologies, oversees grants and audits, and provides expert testimony. It also leads staff recruitment and hiring, oversees training, represents the division on the Connecticut DNA Data Bank Panel, and applies LEAN and Six Sigma concepts to improve analytical processes.

This is a full-time, on-site position, scheduled Monday through Friday for 40 hours per week. The role may require flexible hours and travel, and incumbents must be willing to periodically undergo testing or immunizations for communicable diseases. Successful completion of FBI/QAS or ANAB forensic auditor training is required, either before appointment or within six months of hire.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in forensic science or a closely related field.
• Eight years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material, including significant experience in forensic biology and/or DNA.
• Three years of the required general experience must be in a supervisory capacity overseeing forensic biology and/or DNA activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices; relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, and procedures; nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis and interpretation; forensic evidence collection and analysis; accreditation standards; quality management principles; and process-improvement techniques.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software.
• Considerable interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to create and implement research projects, interpret findings, and defend results.
• Successfully complete FBI/QAS or ANAB forensic auditor training, or complete the training within six months of hire.
• Willingness to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.

Nice To Haves

• Experience directing forensic biology and DNA laboratory operations, including casework oversight, personnel, resource allocation, workflow management, and long-term strategic planning in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience administering and maintaining quality assurance measures, including compliance with FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standards, CODIS requirements, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements, and internal and external audits.
• Experience supervising and developing professional forensic staff through performance management, technical development, and coordination of scientific and administrative operations.
• Experience providing scientific and technical leadership in forensic DNA analysis, including method validation, complex DNA interpretation, new technology implementation, and applying best practices to improve accuracy and throughput.
• Experience in policy development and operational planning, including establishing standard operating procedures, managing resources, advising on strategic initiatives, driving organizational improvements, and contributing to long-term initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Direct the staff and operations of the DNA and forensic biology units.
• Coordinate, plan, and manage division activities.
• Formulate program goals and objectives, policies, and procedures for DNA and forensic biology.
• Interpret and administer applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and procedures.
• Evaluate staff and prepare the section budget.
• Maintain contacts with individuals inside and outside the division who may affect program activities.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory policies, FBI Quality Assurance Standards, ANAB or other current laboratory accreditation requirements, ISO/IEC 17025, and SWGDAM guidance.
• Maintain the accreditation program and CODIS requirements.
• Ensure instruments and techniques are validated according to QAS guidelines.
• Research new methodologies and modify existing technology.
• Oversee grant administration and coordinate preparation for annual section audits.
• Represent the division on the Connecticut DNA Data Bank Panel.
• Oversee a comprehensive training system that provides education and training required by accrediting organizations.
• Use LEAN and Six Sigma operational concepts to improve the quality of analytical-process outputs.
• Provide expert testimony.
• Lead recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interviewing, and selection.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualifying loans after 10 years of service.

What This Job Offers

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