Forensic Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for aDirector of Forensic Laboratory Operations to join their team in Meriden.\r\n\r\n\r\nPosition Highlights\r\n\r\n\r\n 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.\r\n 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.\r\n This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.\r\n 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.\r\n\r\nAbout Us\r\n\r\nThe 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:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Chemical Analysis Section - encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry\r\n Forensic Biology/DNA Section - specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling\r\n Identification Section - including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis\r\n\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Quality Section - responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards\r\n Laboratory Support Services Section - which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions\r\n\r\n\r\nTogether, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut's criminal justice system.\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:\r\nCandidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:\r\nState Employees\r\n\r\n\r\n Two (2) most recent performance evaluations\r\n Completed CT-HR-13\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates 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.\r\n\r\n\r\nClick here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). 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.\r\n\r\n\r\nFOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:\r\nCheck out ourApplicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit ourApplicant Toolkitfor additional support throughout the recruitment process.\r\nBEFORE YOU APPLY:\r\n\r\n Meet Minimum Qualifications:Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. \r\n Educational Credits:List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.\r\n Resume Policy:PerPublic Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.\r\n Preferred Shift/Location:Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.\r\n Timely Submission:All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailingDAS.SHRM@ct.gov.\r\n 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.\r\n\r\n\r\n Note: Theonly wayto apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.\r\n\r\nAFTER YOU APPLY:\r\n\r\n Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check yourPersonal Status Boardregularly.\r\n For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."\r\n Referral Questions:This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). \r\n\r\n\r\n Prepare For An Interview:Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpfulInterview Preparation Guideto make the best impression!\r\n Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.\r\n The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.\r\n Note: 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 atwww.ct.gov/ethics.\r\n\r\n\r\n This employer may participate in EVerify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization.\r\n\r\nQUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:\r\nDue to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Nick Naples at Nicholas.Naples@ct.gov.\r\nJoin the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!\r\n

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.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

\r\n Considerable knowledge of\r\n \r\n and ability to apply management principles and practices;\r\n relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;\r\n principles of serology, immunology, analytical chemistry and related disciplines such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, spectrography and appropriate mathematical techniques;\r\n physiological fluids and their detection, analysis and grouping for purposes of individualization;\r\n examination and analytical procedures for evidentiary materials;\r\n \r\n \r\n Knowledge of current forensic science literature;\r\n Considerable\r\n \r\n interpersonal skills;\r\n oral and written communication skills;\r\n skill in operation of a variety of analytical instrumentation and related photographic techniques.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n

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.\r\n\r\n\r\nNOTE: For state employees supervisory experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 3.\r\n

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.\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.\r\n\r\n

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.\r\n

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\r\nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.\r\n

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.\r\n