Assistant Director of Forensic Biology and DNA

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\nThe State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for an�Assistant Director of Forensic Biology and DNA to join their team within the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU\r\n\r\n\r\n Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!\r\n Professional growth and development opportunities\r\n A healthy work/life balance to all employees\r\n The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information\r\n\r\nPOSITION HIGHLIGHTS\r\n\r\n\r\n The Assistant Director assists with managing the staff and operations of the DNA and forensic biology units; coordinating, planning, and overseeing division activities; formulating program goals and objectives; collaborating on the formulation of DNA and forensic biology policies and procedures; maintaining compliance with all policies and procedures of the laboratory, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and the ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 Forensic Accreditation.\r\n The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.\r\n Please visit the Examples of Duties section for more information on the role.\r\n\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 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 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\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:�\r\nCheck out our�Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?� Visit our�Applicant Toolkit�for 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:�Per�Public 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 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy:� Refer to General Letter No. 195 - Candidate Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Vacancy Filling Process.�\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 emailing�DAS.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: The�only way�to 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 your�Personal Status Board�regularly.\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 helpful�Interview Preparation Guide�to 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 at�www.ct.gov/ethics.\r\n\r\n\r\n This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.\r\n\r\nDEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION:\r\n\r\nCandidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:�\r\n\r\n\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\nNon-State Employees:\r\n\r\n\r\n Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)\r\n Completed CT-HR-13\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n 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.�\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n Click 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\n \r\n QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:�\r\n Due 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\n Join 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 assisting in the direction of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Forensic Biology units operations.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

\r\n Assists with directing staff and operations of the DNA and forensic biology units;\r\n Assists in coordinates, plans and manages division activities;\r\n Assists in formulating program goals and objectives;\r\n Assists with formulating DNA and forensic biology policies and procedures;\r\n Maintains compliance with all policies and procedures of the laboratory: Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or current laboratory accrediting body, International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC 17025), and Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM);\r\n Maintains accreditation program and CODIS requirements;\r\n Assists with interpreting and administering pertinent laws;\r\n Evaluates staff;\r\n Assists with preparing section budget;\r\n Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact program activities;\r\n Assists with ensuring all instruments and techniques validated according to QAS guidelines;\r\n Assists with researching new methodology and modifies existing technology;\r\n Oversees grant administration;\r\n Coordinates preparation for section annual audits;\r\n Oversees comprehensive training system to provide requisite education and training as required by accrediting organizations;\r\n Assists with managing operational concepts with LEAN and Six SIGMA to improve quality of outputs in analytical processes;\r\n Acts for the Deputy Director in their absence;\r\n Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;\r\n May serve as division representative to the Connecticut DNA Data Bank Panel;\r\n May provide expert testimony;\r\n Performs related duties as required.\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material with expertise in at least one (1) of the following forensic disciplines: applied genomics, DNA, biochemistry, genetics and/or molecular and cell biology or a closely related field.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity overseeing DNA activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.\r\n\r\nNOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 2.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

\r\n College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.\r\n A Master’s degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.\r\n A Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.\r\n\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\n Experience supervising forensic science personnel in a forensic laboratory, including managing staff performance, assigning casework, and overseeing daily laboratory operations.\r\n Experience performing forensic biology and DNA analysis, including the examination, interpretation, technical review, and reporting of forensic evidence.\r\n Experience implementing and maintaining forensic laboratory quality assurance requirements, including FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS), ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards, and external audit requirements.\r\n Experience managing forensic DNA laboratory operations, including Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) requirements, laboratory policies, procedures, and compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.\r\n Experience in forensic laboratory program management, budget development, grant administration, staff training, and implementation.\r\n\r\n\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

\r\n Successful completion of the FBI auditor training is required or must be completed within six (6) months of date of hire.\r\n Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.\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 background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for appointment.

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