Forensic Lab Director: Strategy, Quality & Compliance

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston's Forensic Laboratory is seeking a Director to oversee administrative and technical operations, determine objectives, and ensure accreditation compliance. You will collaborate with the management team to maintain evidence integrity, case records, lab security, and safety.

The role requires leading recruitment, budget oversight, and strategic workforce planning for highly qualified forensic professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural science or forensic science required; advanced degrees preferred.
• Ten years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional/forensic laboratory experience with three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in an accredited laboratory and familiarity with evidence handling and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate administrative and technical functions of personnel under the Commander.
• Direct strategic plans and practices that guide high-quality forensic laboratory operations.
• Determine laboratory objectives, communicate them to staff, and ensure compliance.
• Advise on scientific quality and ensure alignment with priorities, capabilities, and initiatives.
• Assess new techniques and procedures for potential implementation.
• Develop criteria to assess performance and strengthen laboratory operations.
• Authorize priority examinations and analyses as needed.
• Annually review the laboratory management system, budget, and grant proposals.
• Lead recruitment, selection, and workforce planning for Laboratory personnel.
• Direct and manage personnel operations including performance management and development.
• Provide executive leadership with statistical analyses, metrics, and strategic recommendations.
• Develop professional development and continuing education initiatives for staff.
• Serve on promotional review panels and oversee leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, QA protocols, and audit processes.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Organizational and time management

Analytical/reporting skills

Forensic laboratory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural science or forensic science

Master's or PhD preferred

Certification in a forensic discipline preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

LIS knowledge

Job description

City of Boston's Forensic Laboratory is seeking a Director to oversee administrative and technical operations, determine objectives, and ensure accreditation compliance. You will collaborate with the management team to maintain evidence integrity, case records, lab security, and safety.

The role requires leading recruitment, budget oversight, and strategic workforce planning for highly qualified forensic professionals.