Title: Program Manager - Forensic Biology - Division of Technical Services - CF062

State Role Title: Forensic Science Manager I

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Division of Technical Services, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The transition is anticipated for the First Quarter of 2026.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as the Technical Leader for its Biology Programs (Nuclear DNA, Mitochondrial DNA and Data Bank) within the Division of Technical Services (DTS). The Program Manager plays a critical role in ensuring laboratory operations meet or exceed accreditation standards and collaborates closely with other Program Managers and agency leadership to drive strategic initiatives and support agency-wide goals. As a subject matter expert in forensic biology, the Program Manager provides guidance on technical protocols and emerging issues, while effectively communicating with the Director of Technical Services, other agency leadership, and external stakeholders. The position collaborates across disciplines and program areas to ensure a well-coordinated approach to agency initiatives affecting all facets of laboratory operations. In addition, the Program Manager designs and implements frameworks for developing, delivering, and evaluating both new and ongoing agency-wide programs, while engaging DFS Section Supervisors to gather input and foster buy-in for program initiatives. Regular overnight travel is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or higher) in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area
• Successful completion of at least nine credit hours of coursework in biology or chemistry related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis
• Successful completion of coursework in statistics or population genetics
• The required coursework shall include at least one graduate level course
• If the degree requirements above were waived by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) in accordance with the criteria approved by the FBI Director, the documented waiver and approval from one external audit must be provided
• At least three (3) years of forensic human DNA (current or previous) experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples
• Currently or previously qualified analyst in at least one of the following STR, YSTR and/or mitochondrial or have documented training in each technology within one year of “appointment”
• Successful completion of the FBI’s auditor training course
• Currently or previously certified to issue Certificates of Analysis/Test Reports
• Demonstrated experience managing staff in a scientific laboratory setting
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and demonstrated knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ANAB accreditation criteria, and the FBI DNA QAS
• Ability to develop and deliver training and protocols for a forensic science program on a statewide basis
• Demonstrated ability to work with the agency’s customers, constituents and stakeholders at a high level, including working with and representing the agency to groups such as boards, committees, and the legislature
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Experience as a forensic science technical assessor and/or auditor
• Experience with probabilistic genotyping
• Experience conducting validation studies, validation design and review
• Experience with corrective actions and root cause analysis

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check as well as a federal background check for CODIS access. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS now uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Economic Interest Statement: The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. Additionally, the statement is to be filed annually by February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 60 days of employment and every two years thereafter.

Contact Information

Name: Tracey Kazelskis

Phone: 804-588-4000

Email: Tracey.Kazelskis@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.