Director, Forensic Lab

Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Commander of the Forensic Laboratory to coordinate administrative and technical functions of personnel.
• Directs and implements the strategic plan, standards, and practices that guide and support the delivery of high-quality forensic laboratory operations.
• Determine relevant laboratory objectives, communicate those objectives to staff, and ensure compliance.
• Advises on scientific and technical quality across the department and ensures alignment and integration with strategic priorities, capabilities, and initiatives.
• Assess new techniques and procedures for potential implementation in the laboratory.
• Develop and maintain criteria used to assess the level of performance and strengthen the operation of the laboratory.
• Authorize priority examinations and analysis as needed.
• Annually review and evaluate the laboratory management system, including the allocated budget, grant proposals, and other related resources.
• Lead and oversee the recruitment, selection, and strategic workforce planning efforts for Laboratory personnel, ensuring the acquisition and retention of highly qualified forensic professionals.
• Direct and manage all personnel operations for the Laboratory, including performance management, workforce development, succession planning, employee relations, and organizational leadership initiatives.
• Provide executive leadership with complex statistical analyses, operational metrics, forensic case data, and strategic recommendations to support departmental planning, budget development, grant funding initiatives, staffing models, and resource allocation decisions.
• Develop, direct, and authorize comprehensive professional development and continuing education initiatives to ensure Laboratory personnel maintain technical competency, industry best practices, and compliance with evolving forensic science standards.
• Serve in a senior leadership capacity on promotional review and evaluation panels, providing strategic oversight and recommendations regarding advancement, leadership development, and succession planning for Laboratory personnel.
• Direct and ensure Laboratory-wide compliance with all applicable accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, quality assurance protocols, and forensic science best practices, including oversight of audit preparation, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum Entrance Qualifications: Knowledge of forensic science and the management and operations of a forensic laboratory; rules of evidence, proper handling and documentation; legal/courtroom proceedings; accreditation standards; forensic testing methods and reporting.
• Ability to compile, analyze, and prepare statistical reports; communicate clearly and effectively; create and manage an operational budget; and supervise and make managerial decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science, or closely related field required. Master’s or PhD degree in a natural science, forensic science, or closely related field preferred.
• Certification in a forensic discipline is preferred.
• Experience: Ten (10) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional/forensic laboratory experience with three (3) years of supervisory experience. Experience in lab management and supervision is strongly preferred; familiar with management methods, practices, and procedures, including quality (technical and administrative), planning, scheduling (logistics), purchasing, data gathering, mentoring, and supervising.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of forensic laboratory scientific disciplines, including, but not limited to, DNA/Biology, Firearms, Latent Prints, Trace Evidence, and Crime Scene Investigation. Must understand relevant tools, equipment, and software used in the Forensic Laboratory.
• Skills: Demonstrated ability to develop ideas, conflict resolution, and problem-solving initiatives to support the team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Organizational and time management skills. Accountability and motivation.