Team Lead, Forensic Biology

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

4d•CA$102,791 - CA$136,446•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services (PSES) is establishing a new provincial forensic DNA laboratory to enhance forensic services and support law enforcement across the province. This initiative will provide high-quality, timely DNA analysis to support investigations and the justice system, and represents a significant advancement in Alberta’s public safety and forensic science capacity. The laboratory will move through a phased implementation over the next one to three years, including the recruitment of laboratory leadership and initial scientific staff. Once fully operational, the laboratory is expected to employ over 40 staff. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of a modern forensic DNA laboratory and play a key role in developing its scientific, operational, and quality frameworks.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (PhD) in forensic science, molecular biology, genetics, or a related scientific discipline plus 5 years of progressively responsible experience in human forensic DNA analysis
Significant recent experience conducting human forensic DNA analysis within an accredited laboratory environment.
Minimum 3 years of recent human DNA casework
Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance and supervising scientific or technical staff.
Strong knowledge of forensic DNA standards, accreditation requirements, and quality assurance principles.
Eligibility to provide expert testimony in court.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting method validation, audits, or accreditation activities.
Experience working within a government or public sector forensic environment, including familiarity with the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB/CODIS) and associated requirements.
Experience collaborating with law enforcement and justice partners.

Responsibilities

Support the design, validation, and implementation of forensic DNA methods, workflows, and procedures, working in collaboration with the Scientific Lead to transition validated processes into operational use.
Coordinate and manage day-to-day forensic biology casework activities, including workflow, prioritization, and resource allocation.
Monitor laboratory productivity, quality, and turnaround times to ensure performance standards are achieved.
Provide technical oversight and review of casework to support compliance with accreditation and quality assurance requirements.
Oversee evidence handling, documentation, and data management practices to ensure alignment with judicial, accreditation, and professional standards.
Provide subject matter expertise and technical supervision in forensic DNA analysis.
Support and contribute to the implementation of new testing methodologies, validation studies, and analytical procedures.
Ensure staff competency, compliance, and the consistent application of validated methods and procedures.
Maintain audit readiness through adherence to standard operating procedures, quality assurance requirements, chain-of-custody standards, and safety protocols.
Supervise and support forensic laboratory staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation.
Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Identify training needs and support continuous learning and competency development within the team.
Maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, Crown prosecutors, and other forensic laboratories.
Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery and effective communication with partners.
Represent the laboratory on provincial committees and working groups, contributing subject matter expertise to support coordination, policy development, and alignment across the justice system.
As required, provide expert testimony in court, delivering clear, objective, and scientifically defensible explanations of forensic methods and results.