Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Drug Chemistry and Trace Unit - Denver Police Department Crime Lab

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Denver Police Department’s Forensics and Evidence Division is seeking a Forensic Scientist Supervisor to provide technical, operational, and administrative leadership for the Drug Chemistry and Trace Unit within the Denver Crime Laboratory. The Laboratory provides forensic science services supporting criminal investigations, victims, and public safety, with a commitment to timely, scientifically sound, impartial, and defensible work. The supervisor ensures the quality and integrity of forensic services through personnel management, scientific oversight, accreditation compliance, resource management, and continuous improvement. The role promotes accountability, collaboration, professional development, and scientific excellence while meeting the operational needs of the Denver Police Department and the broader criminal justice community. This position is located at 1371 Cherokee Street, Denver, Colorado, and is on-site with no telecommuting. The employee works regular business hours, with flexibility required based on operational demands and casework volume. The position is listed as unlimited. The selected candidate must authorize collection of a DNA sample at the time of hire as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, or a directly related natural science.
Five years of full-performance professional criminalist and forensic analysis experience in toxicology, serology, drug chemistry, trace evidence, or another forensic science discipline.
Experience must include demonstrated competency in qualitative analysis and responsibility for quality assurance.
As a condition of employment, complete the Denver Police Forensics and Evidence Division consent form authorizing collection of a DNA sample at the time of hire.
Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of professional forensic science experience in drug chemistry, trace evidence, or a combination of these disciplines.
Previous lead, supervisory, or management experience, preferably in a forensic laboratory.
Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited forensic laboratory and demonstrated understanding of accreditation requirements and quality management systems.
Experience with quality assurance and quality control, including technical reviews, proficiency testing, internal audits, corrective actions, and nonconformity resolution.
Knowledge and experience in analytical method development, validation, verification, and implementation.
Ability to evaluate complex scientific issues, provide technical guidance, and ensure reliable and defensible forensic results.
Experience managing workloads, setting operational priorities, and allocating personnel and resources to meet organizational objectives.
Ability to develop employees, provide constructive feedback, address performance concerns, and foster a positive, accountable work environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound decision-making abilities, and ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Commitment to continuous improvement, professional development, and maintaining public confidence in forensic science.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee daily unit operations, including forensic examinations and analyses of physical evidence in support of criminal investigations.
Establish operational priorities, assign and distribute work, monitor workloads, and ensure timely completion of casework and other unit responsibilities.
Develop and implement operational goals, work plans, and strategies that support Laboratory priorities and effective service delivery.
Identify operational challenges, evaluate resource needs, and implement solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
Participate in strategic planning, budget development, and resource allocation for personnel, equipment, instrumentation, supplies, and training.
Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, applicable ANAB accreditation requirements, laboratory policies, technical procedures, and quality management system requirements.
Oversee quality assurance and quality control activities, including technical and administrative reviews, proficiency testing, internal audits, corrective actions, and other accreditation and scientific-integrity activities.
Provide technical guidance and consultation on complex examinations, analytical methodologies, method validation and verification, interpretation of results, and scientifically supported findings and conclusions.
Ensure analytical methods are validated or verified before implementation and that scientific procedures remain technically sound and consistent with applicable requirements.
Evaluate scientific work and ensure the accuracy, completeness, reliability, and defensibility of analytical results, technical documentation, and reports.
Identify nonconformities, evaluate potential impacts, oversee appropriate corrective and preventive measures, and ensure resolution and follow-up.
Promote scientific integrity, impartiality, objectivity, and continuous improvement.
Serve as an expert witness; monitor and evaluate employee testimony; and oversee preparation of technical exhibits and supporting courtroom documentation.
Maintain working relationships with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other criminal justice partners.
Communicate the capabilities, limitations, and appropriate applications of forensic examinations to stakeholders and promote scientifically informed investigative practices.
Oversee employee training, competency assessments, and professional development to maintain technical proficiency and consistent application of laboratory procedures and safety practices.
Establish performance expectations, provide feedback and coaching, conduct formal performance evaluations, and recognize employee contributions.
Identify employee development opportunities, succession-planning needs, and training priorities.
Identify training needs, address performance concerns, and guide employees in meeting established standards.
Provide direct work instruction, technical guidance, and assistance on complex, unusual, or challenging assignments.
Foster a professional, collaborative, accountable work environment that encourages communication, engagement, and continuous learning.
Address employee concerns and grievances and prepare appropriate written responses and documentation.
Document performance deficiencies and initiate appropriate recommendations for corrective or disciplinary action consistent with City policies and procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned; during a Citywide emergency declared by the Mayor, employees may be reassigned to support essential City functions.