Crime Laboratory Supervisor

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory seeks a qualified Crime Laboratory Supervisor for the Forensic DNA Unit to oversee analysts and related staff. You will direct DNA casework, ensure accurate interpretation, documentation, and reporting, and maintain compliance with quality assurance standards and approved technical procedures.

Ideal candidates have a biology/chemistry background with four years of crime laboratory experience and a proven track record in leadership, training, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and twelve hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics, or pharmacology; plus four years of professional-level crime laboratory experience.
• Graduate training substituting for one year of experience (30 semester hours per year) is allowed.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Crime Laboratory Analysts and other staff in the Forensic DNA Unit.
• Oversee examination, analysis, interpretation, documentation, review, and reporting of DNA results.
• Ensure conclusions are scientifically valid and compliant with policies, accreditation, QA standards, and procedures.
• Review case records and technical data for accuracy and completeness.
• Provide technical guidance on evidence handling, testing strategy, interpretation, and corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Forensic DNA knowledge

Quality assurance

Analytical reasoning

Education

Bachelor's degree with biology/chemistry coursework

Job description

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory is seeking a qualified and motivated Crime Laboratory Supervisor to serve in the Forensic DNA Unit. This position provides direct supervision over Crime Laboratory Analysts and may also supervise other laboratory personnel assigned to the unit. The Crime Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing forensic DNA casework, ensuring that biological evidence is analyzed, interpreted, documented, reviewed, and reported in accordance with laboratory policies, accreditation requirements, quality assurance standards, and validated scientific methods. This position plays a key role in maintaining the technical quality, consistency, and integrity of DNA analysis performed by the unit. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of forensic DNA analysis, sound judgment, effective leadership skills, and a demonstrated commitment to scientific accuracy, quality, accountability, and public service. This position requires the ability to guide analysts through complex casework, support quality and training initiatives, evaluate procedures and instrumentation, and ensure that valid scientific conclusions are reached and properly reported.

A baccalaureate degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and an additional twelve semester hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics, or pharmacology, plus four years of professional-level crime laboratory experience. A combination of coursework is allowed.

Substitutions

Graduate training in qualifying fields will substitute for one year of the required experience on the basis of thirty semester hours for one year of experience; a combination of coursework is allowed.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Supervising Crime Laboratory Analysts and other assigned laboratory staff in the Forensic DNA Unit.
• Overseeing the examination, analysis, interpretation, documentation, review, and reporting of biological evidence and DNA results.
• Ensuring that valid conclusions are drawn from scientific analysis and that casework is completed in accordance with laboratory policies, accreditation requirements, quality assurance standards, and approved technical procedures.
• Reviewing case records, analytical data, reports, and related documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Monitoring casework progress, assigning work, evaluating productivity, and helping ensure the timely completion of forensic analyses.
• Providing technical guidance and direction to analysts regarding evidence handling, testing strategy, interpretation, reporting, and corrective actions when needed.
• Participating in or overseeing competency, proficiency, training, and continuing education activities for assigned personnel.
• Evaluating methods, procedures, software, equipment, and instrumentation used in forensic DNA analysis, and recommending new or modified analytical procedures when appropriate.
• Assisting with the development, revision, and implementation of unit policies, procedures, methods, and technical practices.
• Identifying technical or quality concerns and taking appropriate action, including halting or restricting work when necessary.
• Preparing or reviewing summaries, reports, and technical documentation related to forensic analyses.
• Testifying as an expert witness in state and federal courts and giving depositions regarding forensic DNA analysis and related laboratory work.
• Reviewing courtroom testimony in accordance with laboratory policy, accreditation requirements, and applicable standards.
• Supporting the laboratory’s mission by promoting scientific integrity, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Forensic DNA Unit.

Position-Specific Details

• Appointment Type: Probational
• Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Crime Lab Supervisor.
• Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
• Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

Agency/Department Name: Louisiana State Police/Human Resources
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 66614, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Email: [e-mail]