08/19/2011 72068

DIRECTOR, FORENSIC DNA DIVISION, PSP

DEFINITION: This is managerial and advanced professional work in directing the Forensic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Division in the Pennsylvania State Police.

The employee in this job plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages laboratory activities associated with the forensic DNA discipline. Work involves directing the application of forensic DNA analysis; overseeing compliance with quality assurance, accreditation, and legal requirements; preparing requests for and managing grants; analyzing and responding to policy issues involving forensic DNA testing; and coordinating laboratory services with various law enforcement authorities. Work also involves administrative management for the DNA discipline to include resource allocation, personnel selection, training, budget preparation and administration, and asset maintenance. An important aspect of the work involves working closely with federal, state, and local authorities associated with the conduct and results of forensic DNA analysis. Work is performed independently and is subject to review by the Director, Bureau of Forensic Services through reports, conferences, and evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs, plans, and coordinates, through the supervision of subordinate managers, all aspects of forensic DNA analysis.

Directs the development of DNA policies and guidelines for analytical procedures, quality assurance, employee proficiency testing, and training.

Serves as the forensic DNA discipline’s Technical Leader, as defined in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards, by administering all DNA laboratory functions.

Identifies federal DNA grant opportunities and prepares application packages on behalf of the department.

Manages compliance of approved DNA grants with applicable grant provisions, and performs reporting requirements.

Directs and administers Pennsylvania’s participation in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

Serves on the FBI-sponsored Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) for purposes of improving DNA discipline practices and refining mutual agreements between forensic community partners.

Determines the criteria for acceptance of forensic DNA casework from submitting agencies and directs the coordinated effort between the department’s forensic DNA laboratory operations and various municipal, county, state, and federal laboratories.

Ensures compliance with legislation such as the Commonwealth’s Convicted Offender and Fetal Remains/Dead Bodies laws.

Reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations concerning proposed legislation involving the DNA program.

Provides technical advice and guidance to division personnel to ensure quality of work and effectiveness of results.

Interprets and directs the adherence to technical policies, procedures, and standards.

Leads the development and monitoring of quality assurance and safety practices necessary for compliance with FBI, accreditation, and legislative requirements.

Participates in special studies to improve or develop DNA analytical methods and techniques and to achieve optimum utilization of available resources.

Determines operational needs for the discipline, prepares budget recommendations, and directs the preparation of requisition requests.

Oversees maintenance of facilities and scientific equipment.

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

Directs the development and conduct of training programs for division personnel.

Reviews and approves academic transcripts and training records to ensure adherence with federal DNA laboratory standards.

Develops and conducts or directs the conduct of training programs for the municipal law enforcement, medical, and legal community personnel in the proper collection and handling of DNA evidence.

Prepares correspondence and reports to exchange information with department personnel, law enforcement agencies, and legal authorities.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of 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 the principles and practices of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics as applied to forensic DNA analysis.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the analysis of DNA evidence.

Knowledge of equipment and materials used in a forensic DNA laboratory.

Knowledge of current developments and resources available in forensic DNA analysis.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of quality assurance related to forensic DNA laboratories.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of laboratory safety.

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

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

Knowledge of the principles of scientific report writing.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Ability to perform complex calculations to make comparative assessments and yield final results.

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: Six years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA evidence, including two years in a supervisory capacity, and a master’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science which includes or is supplemented by three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis, with at least three of the twelve credits at the graduate level.