STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Deputy Director of Forensic Biology and DNA

Recruitment #210324-6398VR-001

Introduction


Are you an experienced professional with a passion for Forensic Biology and DNA? 
If so, we encourage you to discover this opportunity! 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is seeking a Deputy Director of Forensic Biology and DNA to join our team! This position is located in the Forensic Biology/DNA laboratory section within the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden, CT. 

About Us: 

The Division of Scientific Services (DSS) 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 arson), 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 Laboratory Support Services (including Administration, Evidence Receiving, and Case Management). 

Position Highlights: 

The Deputy Director manages the staff and operations of the DNA and Forensic Biology units. This position is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with a Monday to Friday schedule. 

The Forensic Biology Unit examines evidence collected in numerous crimes around the state of Connecticut. This unit currently prepares all the extraction samples for DNA testing. They will also examine submitted hairs located in a case for a human origin determination and for the presence of an attached tissue fragment. Human hairs with tissue are forwarded to DNA for analysis. 

The DNA Unit is comprised of three sub-units. They are the Nuclear, Database, and Mitochondrial DNA Units.

What we can offer you: 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes: 
  • Excellent health and dental coverage; 
  • A generous retirement plan; 
  • Paid time off; 
  • A healthy work/life balance!

Selection Plan

During the Application Process: 

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. 

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed in the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Throughout the Selection Process: 

Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview: 

State Employees: 
  • Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
  • Cover letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13
Non State Employees: 
  • Two (2) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor
  • Cover letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. 

Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Click here (CT-HR-13) to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum. The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field. 

Also considered in this selection process: Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Tyler Cashman at Tyler.Cashman@ct.gov

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services, is accountable for directing the operations of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Forensic Biology units.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Directs the staff and operations of the DNA and forensic biology units; coordinates, plans and manages division activities; formulates program goals and objectives; formulates DNA and forensic biology policies and procedures; maintain compliance with all policies and procedures of the laboratory, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Quality Assurance Standards (QAS), American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) International, Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM); maintains accreditation program and CODIS requirements; interprets and administers pertinent laws; ensures all instruments and techniques are validated according to QAS guidelines; researches new methodology and modifies existing technology; evaluates staff; prepares the section budget; oversees grant administration; coordinates preparation for section annual audits; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of division who might impact on program activities; serves as the division representative to the Connecticut DNA Data Bank Panel; oversees the comprehensive training system to provide requisite education and training as required by accrediting organizations; manages operational concepts with LEAN and Six SIGMA to improve quality of outputs in analytical processes; provides expert testimony; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and procedures; considerable knowledge of theory, principles and practices in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis and interpretation; considerable knowledge of collecting, examining and analyzing DNA and forensic biology evidence within a forensic laboratory environment; considerable knowledge of accreditation standards; considerable knowledge of quality management principles and process improvement techniques; knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computer software; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written skills; considerable ability to create and implement research projects; ability to interpret findings and defend results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Master's degree in forensic science or a closely related field and eight (8) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material with significant experience in forensic biology and/or DNA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory capacity overseeing forensic biology and/or DNA activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.

NOTE: For State Employees, this is interpreted at the level of Forensic Science Examiner 3.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will possess:
  • Experience managing forensic grants and procurement procedures; 
  • Experience managing the process of forensic equipment validation and implementation; 
  • Experience interfacing with Lawyers, Law Enforcement, Judicial, and other State and Federal agencies. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Successful completion of the FBI/QAS or American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANSI/ANAB) forensic auditor training is required or must be completed within six (6) months of date of hire.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
4. Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.