Job Information

Job Title: Team Lead Forensic Biology

Job Requisition ID: 85687

Ministry: Public Safety and Emergency Services

Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (Full-time)

Permanent/Temporary: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate found

Classification: Scientific 4

Salary: $3,938.39 to $5,227.82 bi-weekly ($102,791 – $136,446/year)

The Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services (PSES) is keeping Alberta communities safe and secure. Working alongside partners in law enforcement, justice, corrections, emergency management, health, and social services, the ministry supports a fair and accessible criminal justice system that supports the unique needs of Albertans while upholding the rule of law.

The Government of Alberta is establishing a new provincial forensic DNA laboratory to enhance forensic services and support law enforcement across the province. This initiative will provide high-quality, timely DNA analysis to support investigations and the justice system, and represents a significant advancement in Alberta’s public safety and forensic science capacity.

Over the next one to three years, the laboratory will move through a phased implementation, including the recruitment of laboratory leadership and initial scientific staff. Once fully operational, the laboratory is expected to employ over 40 staff. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of a modern forensic DNA laboratory and play a key role in developing its scientific, operational, and quality frameworks.

Reporting to the Director, Forensic Services, the Team Lead is responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination, and delivery of operational activities within the Alberta Forensic DNA Laboratory. The position provides technical and supervisory leadership to a team of forensic scientists and support staff, ensuring forensic DNA analyses are conducted in accordance with established protocols, accreditation standards, quality assurance frameworks, and scientific best practices.



The Team Lead ensures the delivery of high-quality, timely, and reliable forensic services that support criminal investigations and judicial proceedings across Alberta.

Key Responsibilities

Support the design, validation, and implementation of forensic DNA methods, workflows, and procedures, working in collaboration with the Scientific Lead to transition validated processes into operational use.

Coordinate and manage day-to-day forensic biology casework activities, including workflow, prioritization, and resource allocation.

Monitor laboratory productivity, quality, and turnaround times to ensure performance standards are achieved.

Provide technical oversight and review of casework to support compliance with accreditation and quality assurance requirements.

Oversee evidence handling, documentation, and data management practices to ensure alignment with judicial, accreditation, and professional standards.

Technical Leadership and Quality Assurance

Provide subject matter expertise and technical supervision in forensic DNA analysis.

Support and contribute to the implementation of new testing methodologies, validation studies, and analytical procedures.

Ensure staff competency, compliance, and the consistent application of validated methods and procedures.

Maintain audit readiness through adherence to standard operating procedures, quality assurance requirements, chain-of-custody standards, and safety protocols.

People Leadership and Workforce Development

Supervise and support forensic laboratory staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation.

Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, collaboration, and scientific excellence.





Identify training needs and support continuous learning and competency development within the team.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Court Support

Maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, Crown prosecutors, and other forensic laboratories.

Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery and effective communication with partners.

Represent the laboratory on provincial committees and working groups, contributing subject matter expertise to support coordination, policy development, and alignment across the justice system.

As required, provide expert testimony in court, delivering explicit, objective, and scientifically defensible explanations of forensic methods and results.

Qualifications

Doctoral degree (PhD) in forensic science, molecular biology, genetics, or a related scientific discipline plus 5 years of progressively responsible experience in human forensic DNA analysis.

Significant recent experience conducting human forensic DNA analysis within an accredited laboratory environment.

Minimum 3 years of recent human DNA casework.

Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance and supervising scientific or technical staff.

Strong knowledge of forensic DNA standards, accreditation requirements, and quality assurance principles.

Eligibility to provide expert testimony in court.

Equivalency

Master’s degree in a related discipline plus a minimum of 7 years related experience in human forensic DNA analysis.

Assets

Experience supporting method validation, audits, or accreditation activities.

Experience working within a government or public sector forensic environment, including familiarity with the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB/CODIS) and associated requirements.

Experience collaborating with law enforcement and justice partners.

Notes

Office is located in Sherwood Park, Alberta

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (full time)

Monday to Friday (8:15 am to 4:30 pm)

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📌 Team Lead, Forensic Biology (Alberta)
🏢 Government of Alberta
📍 Alberta