Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Drug Chemistry

Full Job Description

***This is an internal posting only***

Position is responsible for evaluating and supervising the section/unit’s employees to include performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.

Under minimum supervision, provides overall direction, management, and supervision to the forensic elements of the forensics services laboratory.

Provides work direction, training, and supervision to direct reports, develops/ implements scientific programs; confers with local state and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate work activities.

Provides scientific analysis of criminal evidence to include expert court testimony.

Compiles statistical data and ensures that the total work product meets all appropriate scientific and legal requirements.

Acts as Director/Chief Deputy Director, when required, in the absence of either.

The Forensic Scientist Supervisor is guided in judgment by Laboratory Policy and Standard Operating Procedures and all tenets of applicable law.

When faced with a situation where a decision is needed, and there are no clear-cut standard operating procedures or laws, the Supervisor will be held to the highest standard by senior management for independent judgments rendered.

Position reports to the Chief Deputy Director.Agency SummaryThe purpose and mission of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is to serve the Marion County Community and supports the needs of the Criminal Justice System by providing services in Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Document Examinations, Latent Print Processing and Examination, Blood Alcohol Analysis, Fire Debris Analysis, Seized Drugs Analysis, Firearms Examinations and NIBIN, DNA and Serology Analysis and Forensic Evidence Technician (Morgue Liaison) services.

The agency cultivates a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.Equal Employment OpportunityThe City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements •Leads and directs workflow, scientific training and supervision of subordinates who perform a wide variety of fully skilled professional scientific analysis to include the examination, comparison, evaluation and result determination of physical evidence• Schedules workload for assigned unit/section of the laboratory• Responsible for devising and communicating the section’s work policies and operating procedures to section personnel• Ensures compliance with accreditation requirements and appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are employed throughout their unit/section of the laboratory• Evaluates and supervises the section/unit’s employees to include performance evaluations and disciplinary actions• Monitors conclusions and expert testimony of section personnel• Performs a wide variety of fully skilled professional scientific analysis on criminal evidence to include the examination, comparison, evaluation and result determination of physical evidence• Prepares formal technical written reports on the results of examinations, statistical analysis and research projects and provides expert testimony in court• Works with Quality Assurance Manager, Chief Deputy Director and Director to develop, implement and provide technical guidance and supervision to all employees within the laboratory division to include quality control and quality assurance• Implements newly developed forensic technologies, i.e., MBIS and DNA analysis, and other new techniques as they apply to the laboratory• Validate or supervise the validation of new technical procedures• Reviews statistical data and ensures compliance with appropriate scientific, legal, and government regulations• Recommends modification of current policies as required for the operation of the division• Acts as Director/Chief Deputy Director when required in their absence• Provides input and participates in the formulation of strategic/budgetary planning process for the laboratory and keeps Chief Deputy Director apprised of division budget• Develops programs to enhance fiscal accountability and control within the division• Prepares recommendations with justification and specifications for the purchase of equipment and supplies• Serves as liaison between Director, IMCFSA and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and personnel IMPD, MCSO, MCPO, MCCO, FBI, ATF, DEA, courts, etc.

to ensure that scientific and administrative support is provided• Directs and/or conducts training for local agencies to include basic evidence technical courses and specialized forensic applications courses• Attend seminars, meetings, and conferences to incorporate new developments into laboratory case work• Presents results of laboratory research at conferences and/or publish the results in scientific journals• Must maintain confidentiality at all times.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses, with a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist. Incumbent shall maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing. Incumbent must be willing and capable of completing an internal/external training program determined by the Chief Deputy Director and the Quality Assurance Program, and capable of completing additional specialized training, as required or available, from Federal, State, Local agencies and other organizations. Must have knowledge of the criminal justice system and familiarity with the sensitive and confidential nature of evidence managing and examination. Must be able to establish and set priorities according to time sensitive information in order to have continued success in this position. Must be able to communicate effectively in oral, verbal, and written formats.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or a related science courses with a minimum of six (6) years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist, including the minimum qualifications listed.
Doctorate’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or a related science courses with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist, including the minimum qualifications listed.