FORENSIC SCIENCE ADMINISTRATOR II - STATEWIDE DNA TECHNICAL LEADER

Position Overview

As the assigned Statewide Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Technical Leader for the Division of Forensic Sciences establishes policies and procedures for DNA analysis to ensure the highest level of quality work; implements policy changes by directing the work of DNA analysts. Approves all DNA quality assurance procedures. Works with the DNA Quality Review Coordinators, Laboratory Quality Managers, and others to ensure casework is reviewed for all DNA analysts, required quality control checks are conducted, proficiency tests are completed accurately, and interpretation guidelines are followed.Travels to assigned DNA laboratories to conduct on-site visits and evaluate the section. Directs laboratory management and analysts to make required technical changes. 

About the Agency

​​The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Essential Functions

• Performs duties as the assigned Statewide Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Technical Leader.
• Accountable for the quality of DNA work within assigned laboratories.
• Evaluates quality assurance and technical work of assigned DNA laboratories. 
• Reviews and approves all validation studies and research on new DNA technologies prior to implementation in casework.
• Approves all new DNA training programs and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required as enumerated in the duties above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a natural or forensic science, preferably supplemented by a master's degree in one of the biological, natural, physical, or forensic sciences, or related disciplines.
• Requires three years of professional forensic science work experience such as would be gained at the advanced caseworker level.
• Additionally, the Statewide DNA Technical Leader position must meet all requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers five (5) years of work experience that would be gained at the advanced caseworker level performing laboratory techniques and using analytical methods in the Forensic Biology/DNA forensic science discipline.
• Prefers experience in successfully completing DNA external proficiency tests at least in the last two years.
• Prefers three (3) years of work experience applying State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination and chain-of-custody of forensic evidence.
• Prefers two (2) years of work experience in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and quality standards for a forensic science laboratory.
• Prefers two (2) years of work experience in performing or supervising scientific research efforts and the development of new procedures as it relates to the field of forensic science.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience in training techniques and procedures.
• Prefers one (1) year of work experience triaging forensic evidence submission and casework approach accounting for the various forensic science laboratory services provided and the different disciplines’ examination techniques.
• Prefers one (1) year of work experience in compiling and preparing administrative reports and records.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's policies and procedures.
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
• Ability to maintain proficiency in forensic science casework on an as-needed basis.
• No felony or misdemeanor convictions.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job descriptions.

Benefits Package

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in many program areas
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
• Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.