Director Laboratory Operations Jobs in Connecticut

Introduction

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Director of Forensic Laboratory Operations to join their team in Meriden.

Position Highlights

As a general-funded position located within the Administrative Section of the laboratory that reports to the Division Director. The Director of Forensic Laboratory Operations position will oversee the laboratory technical operations to enhance the cross-sectional analyses in the continually expanding scope and complexity of the forensic laboratory.

The Director of Forensic Laboratory Operations will be responsible for the continuity of operations across the sections of the laboratory, ensuring optimal efficiency of analysis. The technically responsible individual is essential to oversee SOP's and equipment validation for the laboratory.

This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.

We are seeking individuals with a minimum of a master’s degree in forensic science or a closely related field and nine (9) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material of which three (3) years of experience in the supervision of the activities of a forensic laboratory section consisting of several specialized units engaged in selecting and conducting highly complex tests to analyze evidence.

About Us

The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:

• Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry
• Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling
• Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis

In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:

• Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards
• Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions

Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.

Selection Plan

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

• State Employees
• Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
• 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. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for directing the State Forensic Science Laboratory, which conducts complex tests and analyses to identify the properties of physical evidence resulting from criminal and civil actions in the state.

Examples of Duties

• Directs staff and operations of the State Forensic Science Laboratory
• Coordinates, plans and manages laboratory activities
• Formulates program goals and objectives
• Develops or assists in development of related policy
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws
• Evaluates staff
• Prepares or assists in preparation of laboratory budget
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of laboratory who might impact on program activities
• Examines, analyzes and identifies evidence in complex cases
• Conducts crime scene searches and participates in major crime scene investigations
• Trains laboratory staff, police and fire personnel in techniques utilized for gathering and analyzing evidence
• Prepares highly technical reports
• Performs advanced scientific research
• Conducts investigatory conferences with staff
• Meets with attorneys at trial conferences before court appearances to discuss evidence
• Testifies in court as an expert witness
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection
• Performs related duties as required

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices
• Relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
• Principles of serology, immunology, analytical chemistry and related disciplines such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, spectrography and appropriate mathematical techniques
• Physiological fluids and their detection, analysis and grouping for purposes of individualization
• Examination and analytical procedures for evidentiary materials
• Knowledge of current forensic science literature
• Considerable interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Skill in operation of a variety of analytical instrumentation and related photographic techniques

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

A Master's degree in forensic science or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in the supervision of the activities of a laboratory section consisting of several specialized units engaged in selecting and conducting highly complex tests to analyze physical evidence.

NOTE: For state employees supervisory experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 3.

Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed

A Ph.D. in forensic science or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing forensic grants and procurement procedures
• Experience managing the process of forensic equipment validation and implementation
• Experience working with lawyers, law enforcement, and members of the judicial system as it relates to testimony and legislative change
• Experience supervising personnel performance, including conducting performance appraisals, training, performance improvement plans, documented counseling, Performance Assessment & Recognition System (PARS) reviews, and interviewing.
• Experience testifying in criminal court proceedings
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Character Requirements

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application a thorough character investigation of each candidate may be conducted before names are certified for appointment. Candidates who do not have a good character, who have a criminal record or have been dishonorably discharged from any police department, fire department or armed forces of the United States are ineligible.

Working Conditions

Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

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.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.