01/28/2011 72064

FORENSIC SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION: This is supervisory and advanced professional laboratory work in the chemical, physical and biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence.

An employee in this job supervises professional staff engaged in chemical, physical and biological analysis and comparison of evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. Work is in one or more of the State Police forensic laboratory’s discipline areas such as drug identification, serological examinations, blood alcohol analysis, and trace evidence analysis. Work includes assigning and reviewing casework, providing technical assistance to laboratory staff, assisting in the training of employees assigned to the supervised discipline, and monitoring compliance with quality assurance, accreditation, and legal requirements. Work also involves performing complex examinations for the full range of evidence associated with the assigned discipline area, preparing analytical reports associated with evidence processed, and providing courtroom testimony. Work is received from the laboratory manager and analysis is performed with considerable independence in accordance with scientific principles and applicable examination techniques. Work is reviewed by professional laboratory staff for quality, completeness, technical merit, and compliance with laboratory policies and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assigns casework to subordinate staff based on complexity, existing workload, and priorities.

Provides technical advice and guidance to subordinate staff to ensure quality of casework and effectiveness of results.

Evaluates subordinates’ detailed case records of analysis and findings for compliance with laboratory policies and the laws governing the admissibility of evidence in court.

Participates in the training and evaluation of employees assigned to the supervised discipline.

Monitors quality assurance and safety practices for compliance with laboratory and accreditation requirements.

Assigns proficiency tests to subordinates.

Participates in completing corrective action processes for subordinates whose proficiency test or casework results are determined to be deficient.

Monitors and ensures compliance with established chain of custody procedures for the receipt, storage, handling, and return of evidence.

Testifies in court proceedings or observes and evaluates courtroom testimony provided by subordinates.

Participates in special studies to improve existing or develop new analytical methods and techniques.

Performs advanced scientific analysis of casework that involves the full range of evidence and examination techniques associated with the assigned discipline area.

Travels to and from courts of law and crime scenes.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative biochemical and chemical analysis.

Knowledge of biochemical, chemical and physical laboratory equipment and materials.

Knowledge of the principles of physics.

Knowledge of the practices of physical testing.

Knowledge of the procedures associated with maintaining evidence chain of custody.

Knowledge of methods and techniques used in the analysis and comparison of chemical, physical, and biological evidence.

Knowledge of the procedures associated with testifying in a court of law.

Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports of analysis and findings.

Ability to read and interpret written technical material.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years as a Forensic Scientist 2;

                                                                                                                                           or

Two years as a Forensic DNA Scientist 2;

                                                                                                                                           or

Four years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical or biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.