Forensic Laboratory Supervisor

Date Posted: May 15, 2024

Requisition ID: 443704

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46202

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Indiana State Department of Toxicology:

The Indiana State Department of Toxicology provides forensic toxicological services and education about the science of toxicology. ISDT supports the criminal justice system through analyses for alcohol and selected drugs in blood samples submitted by law enforcement agencies and coroners, furnishing expert testimony, educating on the pharmacology and toxicology of drugs, training and certifying law enforcement officers to administer breath tests for alcohol, certifying breath test instruments, and certifying ignition interlock device models.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Manage the forensic toxicology laboratory including testing functions, procedures, and the introduction of new technology and processes.

• Review and maintain laboratory documentation, policies, and procedures.

• Assist in establishing priorities, goals, and objectives to accomplish the mission of the agency.

• Conduct administrative reviews, approve changes in procedures, and establish new policies.

• Oversee development, validation, functionality, and documentation of all instruments, tests, and new methods.

• Perform administrative functions as necessary to maintain laboratory services.

• Assist in agency’s laboratory accreditation preparation and maintenance.

• Assist in the institution and promotion of quality assurance/quality control measures.

• Participate in the preparation of laboratory statistical data.

• Schedule maintenance and ensure laboratory instruments and equipment are in working condition.

• Prepare recommendations with justification and specifications for the purchase of equipment and supplies.

• Keep abreast of trends and technology related to the work in the laboratory.

• Communicate analytical procedures, methodologies, policies, and conclusions to various elements in the criminal justice system including court testimony as an expert witness.

• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.

• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees.  Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures. 

  The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• Must meet one of the following requirement:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or Biology, with a concentration in chemistry or toxicology and three years of full-time experience in a forensic or chemistry analytical position.

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or Biology, with a concentration in chemistry or toxicology and two years of full time experience in a forensic or chemistry analytical position.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or Biology, with a concentration in chemistry or toxicology and one year of full time experience in a forensic or chemistry analytical position.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Broad knowledge of forensic toxicology techniques, procedures, and accrediation.

• Broad knowledge of the theory and practical operation of relevant scientific instrumentation and analytical techniques of forensic analysis.

• Working knowledge of software for data analysis, presentations, and database applications.

• Ability to analyze complex problems and make sound resolutions to problems.

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, and regulations specifically those applying to area of specialization.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with federal and state agencies, local law enforcement agencies, and others in the legal community.

• Ability to testify as an expert witness in an objective and professional manner.

• Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of both analytical and support staff.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Presentational skills with ability to persuade.

• Ability to adhere to established laboratory safety practices

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all test results.

• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.

• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

• Ability to anticipate problems and initiate and follow through with preventive and corrective actions.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

  Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.