GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Supervises the daily functions of the Biological Processing Laboratory; acts as the laboratory’s Quality Assurance Officer and Technical Lead; provides onsite technical expertise; performs serological casework; does related work as required.  Work is performed under the supervision of the Forensic Services Manager.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervises and evaluates Biological Processing Laboratory (BPL) employees; Plans, schedules, evaluates, and counsels BPL unit staff on work performance to ensure compliance with laboratory and department policies and procedures; Oversees training of BPL unit personnel; Performs serological casework including visual screening of evidence, presumptive and confirmatory testing, swabs items for possible DNA evidence, report writing, technical and administrative report reviews, testifies in court;

Responsible for the technical operations of the laboratory; Maintains the laboratory’s quality management system to ISO standards.

RELATED TASKS:

Preparation of reagents;

Quality assurance and quality checks of reagents;

Documentation of reagent preparation;

Present technical testimony in court, as well as for depositions to prosecutors and defense attorneys;

Maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments;

Cleaning of laboratory and equipment;

Calibrating lab equipment and instruments;

Data entry, filing, inventory, and maintaining records;

Preserve crime scene evidence and maintain chain of custody;

Review case reports of Biological Processing Laboratory Technician;

Complete staff performance appraisals;

Internal audits;

External assessments;

Handling corrective and preventive actions and root cause analysis;

Assist with budget preparation and training needs;

Assist with management review;

Perform related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge and experience in forensic serological techniques; extensive knowledge and experience with forensic quality management systems including identification and documentation of corrective actions; general knowledge of the techniques of processing crime scenes and maintaining the security of evidence; general knowledge of police forensic investigative techniques and techniques including of identification methods; ability to analyze evidentiary items; ability to collect and secure evidence; ability to keep detailed records and prepare reports; thorough knowledge of common methods, procedures, associated with good laboratory practices; competent in calibrating and operating of analytical instruments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college (master’s degree preferred), in the field of Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Genetics or related area.  

• Must have a minimum of 3 years’ full-time experience with an accredited Forensic Laboratory with 1 year of quality management and supervisory experience.

• Experience in areas of serological techniques, quality systems, ISO/IEC 17025 standards, and technical leadership are required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must demonstrate competency following completion of the BPL training program including serological methods and procedures, evidence handling, and bloodborne pathogens.  

• Must be able to pass a proficiency test within 1 year of obtaining an authorization to work case evidence.  The proficiency must be maintained throughout employment.

• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver’s license.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to wear safety glasses, goggles, respirator, safety shoes/boots, coveralls, gloves, face shield, mask, and biohazard suit.  Exposure to extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, dust, vapors, fumes, toxic metals, poisons, animals/insect bites, mist, gases, smoke, irritants, asphyxiants, and bloodborne pathogens.

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:

The background check process for this position may include:

·         Criminal Background Check

·         Employment Verification

·         Reference Checks

·         Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check

·         Certification/License Verification

·         Credit Check

·         Fingerprinting

·         Polygraph

·         Neighborhood Check

·         Drug and Alcohol Screen

·         Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

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