State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Assistant Director of Forensic Biology and DNA (6404MP)

$55.30-$75.41 Hourly / $4,423.99-$6,032.50 BiWeekly /
$115,466.00-$157,448.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for assisting in the direction of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Forensic Biology units operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives administrative direction from the Deputy Director of Forensic Biology and DNA or other administrative official of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assists with directing staff and operations of nuclear DNA, combined DNA index System (CODIS), forensic biology and other staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Assists with directing staff and operations of the DNA and forensic biology units;
  • Assists in coordinates, plans and manages division activities;
  • Assists in formulating program goals and objectives;
  • Assists with formulating DNA and forensic biology policies and procedures;
  • Maintains compliance with all policies and procedures of the laboratory: Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or current laboratory accrediting body, International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC 17025), and Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM);
  • Maintains accreditation program and CODIS requirements;
  • Assists with interpreting and administering pertinent laws;
  • Evaluates staff;
  • Assists with preparing section budget;
  • Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact program activities;
  • Assists with ensuring all instruments and techniques validated according to QAS guidelines;
  • Assists with researching new methodology and modifies existing technology;
  • Oversees grant administration;
  • Coordinates preparation for section annual audits;
  • Oversees comprehensive training system to provide requisite education and training as required by accrediting organizations;
  • Assists with managing operational concepts with LEAN and Six SIGMA to improve quality of outputs in analytical processes;
  • Acts for the Deputy Director in their absence;
  • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • May serve as division representative to the Connecticut DNA Data Bank Panel;
  • May provide expert testimony;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • theory, principles and practices in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis and interpretation;
    • collecting, examining and analyzing DNA and forensic biology evidence within a forensic laboratory environment;
    • accreditation standards;
    • quality management principles and process improvement techniques;
  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and procedures;
    • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computer software;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written skills;
  • Considerable ability to create and implement research projects;
  • Ability to interpret findings and defend results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material with expertise in at least one (1) of the following forensic disciplines: applied genomics, DNA, biochemistry, genetics and/or molecular and cell biology or a closely related field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity overseeing DNA activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
  • A Master’s degree in forensic science, applied genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  • A Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of the FBI auditor training is required or must be completed within six (6) months of date of hire.
  • Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours. 
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for appointment.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(17)-Laboratory/Scientific Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(02)-MANAGERIAL

EEO

(1)-Officials And Administrators

SALARY INFORMATION

MP 68

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Assistant Director of Forensic Biology and DNA in Salary Group MP 68 approved effective December 5, 2023. (Reviewed in accordance with Connecticut General Statute § 5-200a. Revised to modify content) Final No. 24-110

EFFECTIVE DATE

06/26/2024
CLASS: 6404MP; EST: 2/20/2015; REV: 7/16/2024;