Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager

Calling all Forensic DNA professionals who are ready to make a positive impact in Connecticut and beyond!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager to join our team at the Division of Scientific Services. 

If you have experience working in a lead capacity, overseeing DNA activities of professional science laboratory personnel, we invite you to read more and learn about this unique opportunity in state service.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• SCHEDULE: This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.
• LOCTION: On-site position, centrally located in Meriden, CT.

BENEFITS AND BALANCE AT THE STATE OF CONNECITCUT 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes:

• Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage;
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
• Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year;
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities; and
• A work culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance to all employees!

Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to learn more!

In addition, the State as an employer puts an emphasis on:

• Providing limitless opportunities;
• Hiring for diversity and fresh perspectives;
• Performing meaningful work and;
• Encouraging a healthy work/life balance!

New to Connecticut? Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about our great state here. 

YOUR ROLE

As a general recruitment, the Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager will be recruited to work within the Administrative Section reporting to the Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager.

The Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager position will oversee the Forensic Biology and DNA quality assurance and quality control programs. Monitoring and advancing these programs are essential to the core operations of the units and to the ability to maintain International Accreditation through ANAB (ISO-IEC 17025) and the FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standards. 

The Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager:

• Ensures compliance with the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or current laboratory accrediting body, and the International organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC 17025);
• Coordinates, plans and manages quality assurance activities and ensures adherence to all applicable national and international standards for quality in the forensic biology and DNA disciplines;
• Formulates program goals and objectives;
• Develops or assists in the development of related policy;
• Interprets pertinent laws;
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of the programs who might impact program activities;
• Oversees development, preparation and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures and quality assurance manuals to meet current standards;
• Ensures all Forensic Biology and DNA are staff trained in critical requirements of quality control;
• Monitors quality assurance data and initiates corrective action and/or documentation as required;
• Serves as a key liaison with accrediting bodies regarding inspection activities including attending inspection exit interviews and preparation of response to written inspection reports;
• Oversees compliance in laboratory safety and security standards relevant to Forensic Biology and DNA;
• Performs investigations of quality concerns performing internal audits of laboratory upon direction of the Deputy Director of Forensic Biology and DNA;
• Assists the Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager in managing the laboratory quality program
• Performs related duties as required.

More details can be found in the class specification. 

ABOUT US

OUR AGENCY MISSION

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.

THE DIVISION OF SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

The Division of Scientific Services provides forensic support to local, state and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. This division is divided into three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and chemistry), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including computer crimes).

The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: the Quality section and the Laboratory Support Services section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management).

A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMISSIONER

DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve • Constantly seeking better results.

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges.

3. Ethics and Accountability • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways.