Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager

Position Overview

Calling all Forensic DNA professionals who are ready to make a positive impact in Connecticut and beyond! The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Forensic Biology and DNA Quality Assurance Manager to join the Division of Scientific Services.

• Schedule: Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday.
• Location: On‑site, Meriden, CT.

• Competitive benefits plan including medical and dental coverage.
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings.
• Paid time off including 13 paid holidays per year.
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• Healthy work‑life balance culture.

• Ensures compliance with the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or ISO/IEC 17025.
• Coordinates, plans, and manages quality assurance activities and ensures adherence to all applicable national and international standards for quality in the forensic biology and DNA disciplines.
• Formulates program goals and objectives.
• Develops or assists in the development of related policy.
• Interprets pertinent laws.
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of the programs who might impact program activities.
• Oversees development, preparation and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures and quality assurance manuals to meet current standards.
• Ensures all Forensic Biology and DNA staff are trained in critical requirements of quality control.
• Monitors quality assurance data and initiates corrective action and/or documentation as required.
• Serves as a key liaison with accrediting bodies regarding inspection activities, including attending inspection exit interviews and preparing responses to written inspection reports.
• Oversees compliance in laboratory safety and security standards relevant to Forensic Biology and DNA.
• Performs investigations of quality concerns and internal audits of the laboratory upon direction of the Deputy Director of Forensic Biology and DNA.
• Assists the Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager in managing the laboratory quality program.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Directs staff and operations of the Forensic Biology and DNA section.
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection.

• A Master’s degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience performing analysis in a DNA laboratory or in the forensic analysis of evidentiary material with significant experience in DNA.
• One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity overseeing DNA activities of professional science laboratory personnel.

• Experience leading and maintaining ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 and FBI QAS compliance in a forensic biology or DNA laboratory.
• Experience conducting internal audits and participation in managing external forensic assessments.
• Experience analyzing forensic DNA casework or database samples in an accredited forensic laboratory including implementing related quality control measures.
• Experience supervising staff or programs in a forensic biology or DNA unit.
• Experience reviewing, writing, and updating quality system documents, including procedures and work instructions.

• Must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
• May be required to work flexible hours.
• May be required to travel.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.