MANAGER OF QUALITY ASSURANCE

Number of positions: 1 (additional vacancies possible pending budget approval). Starting salary: $109,464.

About the role

Under direction, this position functions as a technical specialist responsible for the oversight and implementation of the ISO 17025-based quality assurance program for the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Forensic Services Division (FSD) to ensure technical processes and procedures are accurate, reliable, and compliant with accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures regarding laboratory quality assurance and staff training requirements necessary to obtain and maintain accreditation.
• Sets up and administers document control management systems by maintaining quality manuals, process mapping, and laboratory audits.
• Monitors activities to ensure implementation of quality management system(s) and ensure continuing conformance with management system requirements.
• Schedules and coordinates the internal and annual quality audits for each forensic technical area within the laboratory.
• Participates in the evaluation and selection of internal auditors.
• Prepares annual quality reports for review by senior management.
• Coordinates communication with accrediting body by managing the application for accreditation and scope document for initial assessment and ongoing surveillance activities.
• Creates and maintains detailed conformance files and checklists that demonstrate how the laboratory has determined compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Responds to findings of nonconformance and proposes and coordinates corrective action(s); leads root cause analysis.
• Ensures new methods and equipment are properly validated/verified, and records are maintained.
• Maintains quality records according to established policies and procedures.
• Plans and schedules proficiency testing to ensure laboratory staff participate in required testing cycles.
• Stays abreast of advancements in the field by obtaining and maintaining specific professional memberships and reading relevant peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Oversees and coordinates professional staff development and trainings.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a directly related field, plus five (5) years of professional forensic science work in a laboratory, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of professional forensic science work in a laboratory.

Qualifications

• Professional membership in the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM) organization, preferred.

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Laboratory quality control/quality assurance processes and procedures.
  • Laboratory accreditation requirements.
  • Forensic laboratory management and operations.
  • The ISO/IEC 17025 international standards, as well as the accrediting body’s forensic-specific requirements.
  • Federal and state laws regarding rules of evidence and court testimony.
  • Appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination.
  • Safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory.
• Some knowledge of:
  • Applicable computer hardware and software technology.
  • Report preparation methods, practices, and procedures.
  • Applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Pay

$109,464 (starting salary).

Schedule

• Location: 3340 W Filmore, Chicago, IL 60624.
• Days: Monday through Friday.
• Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.