MANAGER OF QUALITY ASSURANCE

Job Number:

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

MANAGER OF QUALITY ASSURANCE-FORENSIC LABORATORY

CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Bureau of Detectives/ Forensic Services Unit

Number of Positions: 1(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $109,464

Applications for this position will be accepted from 12:00am CDT 07/31/2026 until 11:59pm CDT on08/14/2026

Under direction, the class functions as a technical specialist responsible for the oversight and implementation of the ISO17025-based quality assurance program for the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Forensic Services Division (FSD) to ensure technical processes and procedures are accurate, reliable, and compliant with accreditation standards; and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

·        Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures regarding laboratory quality assurance and staff training requirements necessary to obtain and maintain accreditation

·        Sets up and administers document control management systems by maintaining quality manuals, processes mapping, and laboratory audits

·        Monitors activities to ensure implementation of quality management system(s) and ensure continuing conformance with management system requirements

·        Schedules and coordinates the internal and annual quality audits for each forensic technical area within the laboratory

·        Participates in the evaluation and selection of internal auditors

·        Prepares annual quality reports for review by senior management

·        Coordinates communication with accrediting body by managing the application for accreditation and scope document for initial assessment and ongoing surveillance activities

·        Creates and maintains detailed conformance files and checklists that demonstrate how the laboratory has determined compliance with accreditation requirements

·        Responds to findings of nonconformance and proposes and coordinates corrective action(s); leads root cause analysis

·        Ensures new methods and equipment are properly validated/verified, and records are maintained

·        Maintains quality records according to established policies and procedures

·        Plans and schedules proficiency testing to ensure laboratory staff participate in required testing cycles

·        Stays abreast of advancements in the field by obtaining and maintaining specific professional memberships and reading relevant peer reviewed journal articles

·        Oversees and coordinates professional staff development and trainings

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Location: 3340 W Filmore, Chicago, Il 60624

Days: Monday through Friday

Hours: 8:00AM to 4:00PM

THIS POSITION IS NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·        Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a directly related field, plus five (5) years of professional forensic science work in a laboratory, OR

·        Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of professional forensic science work in a laboratory

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

·        Professional membership in the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM) organization, preferred

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview.  The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.

Comprehensive Knowledge of:

·        laboratory quality control/quality assurance processes and procedures

·        laboratory accreditation requirements

·        forensic laboratory management and operations

·        the ISO/IEC 17025 international standards, as well as, the accrediting body’s forensic specific requirements

·        federal and state laws regarding rules of evidence and court testimony

·        appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination

·        safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory

Some knowledge of:

·        applicable computer hardware and software technology

·        report preparation methods, practices, and procedures

Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

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