JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
MANAGER OF QUALITY ASSURANCE-FORENSIC LABORATORY
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bureau of Detectives/ Forensic Services Unit
Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $109,464
Applications for this position will be accepted from 12:00am CDT 07/31/2026 until 11:59pm CDT on 08/14/2026
Under direction, the class functions as a technical specialist responsible for the oversight and implementation of the ISO17025-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; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
โข Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures regarding laboratory quality assurance and staff training requirements necessary to obtain and maintain accreditation
โข Sets up and administers document control management systems by maintaining quality manuals, processes mapping, and laboratory audits
โข Monitors activities to ensure implementation of quality management system(s) and ensure continuing conformance with management system requirements
โข Schedules and coordinates the internal and annual quality audits for each forensic technical area within the laboratory
โข Participates in the evaluation and selection of internal auditors
โข Prepares annual quality reports for review by senior management
โข Coordinates communication with accrediting body by managing the application for accreditation and scope document for initial assessment and ongoing surveillance activities
โข Creates and maintains detailed conformance files and checklists that demonstrate how the laboratory has determined compliance with accreditation requirements
โข Responds to findings of nonconformance and proposes and coordinates corrective action(s); leads root cause analysis
โข Ensures new methods and equipment are properly validated/verified, and records are maintained
โข Maintains quality records according to established policies and procedures
โข Plans and schedules proficiency testing to ensure laboratory staff participate in required testing cycles
โข Stays abreast of advancements in the field by obtaining and maintaining specific professional memberships and reading relevant peer reviewed journal articles
โข Oversees and coordinates professional staff development and trainings
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.
Location: 3340 W Filmore, Chicago, Il 60624
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:00AM to 4:00PM
THIS POSITION IS NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
โข 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
โข 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
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
โข Professional membership in the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM) organization, preferred
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.
Comprehensive Knowledge of:
โข laboratory quality control/quality assurance processes and procedures
โข laboratory accreditation requirements
โข forensic laboratory management and operations
โข the ISO/IEC 17025 international standards, as well as, the accrediting body's forensic specific requirements
โข federal and state laws regarding rules of evidence and court testimony
โข appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination
โข safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory
Some knowledge of:
โข applicable computer hardware and software technology
โข report preparation methods, practices, and procedures
Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor