Criminalist Supervisor (DNA Special Skills)

State of California; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of California seeks a Criminalist Supervisor to lead Criminalists and Senior Criminalists in the DNA Data Bank Program. You will oversee the CODIS unit, supervise the State CODIS Administrators, and ensure adherence to FBI QAS procedures and Bureau policies.

You will also advise on analyses, troubleshooting, and QA/QC activities. Candidates should have DNA experience and CODIS knowledge, with coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and population genetics.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising technical staff and coordinating multi-person teams.
• Familiarity with FBI Quality Assurance Standards for forensic DNA testing laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Criminalists and Senior Criminalists in the DNA Data Bank Program.
• Oversee CODIS unit and supervise State CODIS Administrator(s).
• Ensure adherence to FBI QAS procedures and agency policies; advise on analyses and instrument troubleshooting.

Skills

DNA experience

CODIS knowledge

Supervision

Education

Biochemistry coursework

Genetics coursework

Molecular Biology coursework

Statistics/Population Genetics coursework

Tools

CODIS

Job description

The Data Bank Criminalist Supervisor supervises the Criminalists and Senior Criminalists who process DNA samples collected from qualified persons and submitted by California law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state law. Staff develop DNA profiles from these samples and import those DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) where they are searched against DNA profiles from evidence from unsolved crimes. The Data Bank Criminalist Supervisor assists, advises, and coordinates technical training for all Data Bank Criminalists and Senior Criminalists, determines operational area coordinators, and assigns and coordinates troubleshooting and validation and other specialized projects within the Data Bank Program under the direction of a Criminalist Manager. The Data Bank Criminalist Supervisor monitors, coordinates, schedules, and approves all of the activities and tasks of the Data Bank Criminalists and Senior Criminalists.

What will I be doing?

The candidate will supervise Criminalists and Senior Criminalists in the DNA Data Bank Program and collaborate with the entire management team. The candidate will be responsible for oversight of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) unit, including supervision of the State CODIS Administrator and State Alternate Administrator(s). The candidate will ensure adherence to National DNA Index System procedures, FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standards, and Bureau policies and procedures, advise criminalists on analyses and instrument troubleshooting, and may perform technical and administrative review of DNA Data Bank sample analyses. The candidate will coordinate with the Familial Search supervisor to ensure appropriate resource allocation, identify training needs, and provide consultation and instruction related to CODIS unit operations. The candidate will be expected to advise on DNA quality assurance, quality control, and the DNA technical procedures.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• CRIMINALIST SUPERVISOR

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

DOJ’s DNA programs comply with the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Forensic DNA Databasing Laboratories. Consequently, it is desirable for a candidate for this Criminalist Supervisor position to have a background with DNA experience, including working knowledge of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and including successful completion of the following college coursework or classes (or the equivalent):

• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Statistics and/or Population Genetics

Candidates who have not completed the FBI QAS-required college coursework may apply for this position; however, only the most qualified candidates will be selected to move forward in the selection process.