Supervisor - Criminal Forensic Scientist, DNA

$59.48 - $95.17 Hourly

$123,722 - $197,955 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C14

Posting Details

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic services to over 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners throughout New Mexico. Scientists provide analysis, reports, and testimony in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Chemistry (controlled substances and ignitable liquids). The Forensic Laboratory Bureau consists of laboratories in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs. Our mission is to provide unbiased scientific analysis for federal, state, local and tribal agencies.


Why does the job exist?

This position exists to work in partnership with a second supervisor to oversee the daily operations of the DNA scientific discipline and ensure the efficient, accurate, and timely delivery of forensic services statewide. The position guides the analysis of complex evidence items and oversees scientists' work performance, proficiency testing, quality assurance programs, standard operating procedures, peer reviews, internal audits, technical operations, and customer service to both internal and external stakeholders. The position also ensures confidentiality within the unit and compliance with FBI QAS requirements while supporting expedited and complex case analysis.

Additionally, the position is responsible for training and mentoring personnel, conducting performance appraisals, overseeing scientific work products, and facilitating collaboration among laboratory units to achieve quality case output results in an efficient and timely manner. The position may also provide input for the Quality Assurance Manual, develop policies and SOPs, conduct validations and audits, make highly complex technical decisions, manage resources and processes, and supervise employees.


How does it get done?

Oversee the daily operations of the DNA scientific discipline and guide the analysis of complex evidence items.


Performs tests on body fluids, weapons, clothing, and other evidence collected from crime scenes to identify DNA sources.


Utilizes forensic laboratory procedures, serology, DNA techniques, and related instrumentation associated with forensic DNA analysis.


Performs independent Biology/DNA casework for law enforcement agencies statewide, including complex and expedited cases.


Write reports of findings and testifies in courts of law as an expert witness.


Conducts peer reviews, including technical and administrative reviews of Biology/DNA casework and staff work products.


Oversees scientists¿ work performance, manages expectations, conducts performance appraisals, and facilitates teamwork within the unit and across laboratories.


Oversee technical operations of the assigned unit, including training new personnel, proficiency testing programs, quality assurance programs, standard operating procedures, and review and approval of validations in accordance with FBI QAS requirements.


Prepares timeliness of proficiency testing and maintains confidentiality within the unit.


Responsible for overseeing and approving internal audits and following requirements for designing and performing internal validation studies and audits.


May perform additional laboratory responsibilities, including serving as unit safety officer, CODIS administrator, DNA Technical Leader, and/or conducting internal validations of new techniques and internal audits.


Ensures excellent customer service to clients and internal customers.


Leads specialized scientific continuing education for trained employees and ensure appropriate professional organizations with a code of ethics are part of scientists¿ qualifications beginning in the training stage.


May provide input for the Quality Assurance Manual and develop policies and procedures for inclusion in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).


May conduct validations and audits, make highly complex technical decisions, manage resources and processes, and supervise employees.


Who are the customers?

Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge and experience in forensic Biology/DNA analysis, including the ability to independently perform complex DNA casework, analyze evidence, interpret results, and testify in court as an expert witness. The ideal candidate should demonstrate experience with forensic laboratory procedures, serology, DNA instrumentation, quality assurance standards, proficiency testing, validations, audits, and compliance with FBI QAS requirements. Experience processing complex and expedited cases while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will also possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to oversee technical operations, mentor and train staff, conduct peer and administrative reviews, manage resources and workflows, and ensure timely case output. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, strong decision-making abilities, and the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory personnel, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and other stakeholders while maintaining excellent customer service and ethical standards.


Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years' experience in a forensic laboratory performing scientific analysis of forensic evidence. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.


Employment Requirements

Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.

In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire.

The selected candidate will work with highly confidential and high-volume data flow must have the ability to complete assignments with a high level of accuracy within strict time constraints as well as, handle multiple tasks and request from several people at once.


Working Conditions

Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory containing biological, chemical and physical hazards. Incumbents will be required to use all applicable safety equipment provided by the employer and follow all safety precautions specified by the employer. There will be extended standing, and repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies utilized.


Work involves using high-voltage electronic instrumentation, and high-pressure gas cylinders. Ability to lift/push up to 50 lbs.


Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: William Watson, View phone number on click.appcast.io Email


For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.