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

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

3d•$101,050 - $166,733•Onsite

About The Position

The Denver Police Department’s Forensics and Evidence Division is seeking a qualified professional to supervise the Drug Chemistry and Trace Unit within the Denver Crime Laboratory. The Laboratory provides forensic science services in support of criminal investigations, victims, and public safety, with a commitment to timely, scientifically sound, impartial, and defensible work. The supervisor provides technical, operational, and administrative leadership for the Unit. The role ensures the quality and integrity of forensic services through personnel management, scientific oversight, accreditation compliance, resource management, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will foster accountability, collaboration, professional development, and scientific excellence while meeting the operational needs of the Denver Police Department and the broader criminal justice community. The position is located at 1371 Cherokee Street, Denver, Colorado 80204. It is on-site and not eligible for telecommuting. The schedule is regular business hours, with flexibility required according to operational demands and casework volume. The position is classified 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, subject to the stated education and experience substitution provisions.
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.
At least five years of professional forensic science experience in drug chemistry, trace evidence, or a combination of these disciplines, as described among the ideal candidate qualifications.
Demonstrated competency in qualitative analysis and responsibility for quality assurance.
Ability to complete the Denver Police Forensics and Evidence Division consent form authorizing collection of a DNA sample at hire.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment and decision-making, and ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

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 the reliability and defensibility of 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 and accountable work environment.
Commitment to continuous improvement, professional development, and maintaining public confidence in forensic science.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee daily unit operations, including forensic scientists’ examinations and analyses of physical evidence supporting criminal investigations.
Establish operational priorities, assign and distribute work, monitor workloads, and ensure timely and effective completion of casework and other unit responsibilities.
Develop and implement operational goals, work plans, and strategies that support Laboratory priorities and delivery of forensic services.
Identify operational challenges and 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, and corrective actions.
Provide technical guidance on complex examinations, analytical methodologies, method validation and verification, interpretation of results, and scientifically supported findings and conclusions.
Ensure analytical methods are appropriately validated or verified before implementation and that procedures remain technically sound and consistent with applicable standards.
Evaluate scientific work to ensure accurate, complete, reliable, and defensible analytical results, documentation, and reports.
Identify nonconformities, assess their potential impact, oversee corrective and preventive measures as appropriate, 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 effective working relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other criminal justice partners.
Communicate forensic examination capabilities, limitations, and appropriate applications to stakeholders and promote scientifically informed investigative practices.
Oversee employee training, competency assessments, and professional development to maintain technical proficiency and consistent application of procedures and safety practices.
Establish performance expectations, provide feedback and coaching, conduct formal evaluations, and recognize employee contributions.
Identify employee development opportunities, succession-planning needs, and training priorities.
Address training needs and performance concerns, and guide employees in meeting established standards.
Provide 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 make appropriate recommendations for corrective or disciplinary action consistent with City policies and procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned; employees may be reassigned to support essential City functions during a Mayor-declared citywide emergency.