Forensic Biology Technical Leader

Salary: $90,272.00 - $118,310.00 Annually
Location : North Charleston, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: BS209183
Department: Biological Science Center
Opening Date: 03/08/2024
Description
The Forensic Biology Technical Leaderoversees the technical management of the Forensic Biology unit and is responsible for implementing, evaluating and modifying analytical procedures to be used by forensic laboratory analysts.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $90,272 - $118,310 (Estimated Annual Salary)
PAY RANGE: $90,272.00 - $146,328.00
OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY, 4/30/2024.
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

1. Leads, manages, participates and is accountable for the technical operations of the Forensic Biology laboratory. The Technical Leader has the authorities and responsibilities described in the FBI Quality Assurance Standards.
2. Manages personnel within the Forensic Biology laboratory, including caseload, work assignments, priorities, and administrative expectations.
3. Assists in developing section operating budget, monitoring section resources, equipment, supplies and instrument maintenance.
4. Performs comprehensive validation studies of equipment, methods and software.
5. Monitors laboratory practices to verify continuing compliance with policies and procedures.
6. Assists in formulating laboratory policy, develops section specific procedures and training manuals.
7. Performs extensive research on new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession.
8. Serves as chief training officer for section laboratory analysts and conducts relevant training for local agencies.
9. Maintains casework competency, technically and administratively reviews casework to ensure that established laboratory procedures are used to form the basis for scientific conclusions.
10. Serves as alternate administrator for CODIS network and section specific software.
11. Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

1. Solve problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making; identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information and specify alternate solutions that result in effectiveness.
2. Demonstrate sound time-management skills by successfully organizing, prioritizing and completing multiple assignments in a timely manner while responding positively to a work environment that may change often.
3. Embrace change to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all laboratory operations with positive and creative approaches.
4. Train, motivate and monitor the effective work of staff. Empower staff to think and act proactively to ensure the best possible outcome is provided.
5. Create positive energy in both individuals and groups to build high morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
6. Safeguard confidential information and use or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required while performing specific job duties.
7. Able to maintain favorable working relationship with co-workers, County officials, officials from other jurisdictions and the public.
8. Utilize high level of conflict resolution skills with staff, community members, elected officials and stakeholders while exhibiting consistent treatment across all groups.
9. Analyze, interpret data and other information prior to preparation of reports. Successfully communicate information as an expert witness during criminal trials.
10. Display awareness of upcoming changes in forensic laboratory technology and software.
11. Seek and participate in opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Graduate Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology or a Forensic Science related area required.
2. A minimum of twelve semester or equivalent credit hours of combined undergraduate and graduate course work in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics and/or population genetics.
3. A minimum of three years of professional experience in an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accredited forensic science laboratory. Five to seven years of human DNA experience as a qualified analyst is preferred.
4. A minimum of one year experience in a lead capacity overseeing quality activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.
5. Coursework to meet the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for an analyst required.
6. Experience in missing persons or unidentified human remains process and relationship statistics preferred.
7. Training in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and completed internal/external assessor training preferred.
8. Successful completion the FBI QAS auditor training preferred.
9. Certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) preferred.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Optional Federal Credit Union Membership
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

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