Deputy Director- Forensic Services

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the nation's fourth largest police department, with over 6300 sworn members and 800 civilian personnel. The PPD is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for serving Philadelphia County, extending over 140 square-miles in which approximately 1.5 million reside. Geographically, the Department is divided into twenty-one police districts (each headed by a captain), which comprise six police divisions (Northwest, Northeast, East, Central, Southwest, South - each headed by a Divisional Inspector), into two major sections of the city, Regional Operations Command North (ROC North) and Regional Operations Command South (ROC South), each headed by one Chief Inspector under Patrol Operations. Personnel are assigned to work in 55 different locations throughout Philadelphia, with Police Headquarters located in the 6th Police District, in Center City, at 400 North Broad Street.

Position Summary

This is highly visible deputy director level and scientific work directing, through subordinate Police Captains and Assistant Directors, the day-to-day operations of multiple forensic laboratory sections within the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Forensic Science (OFS). As second-in-command to the Executive Director, this position plays a key leadership role in shaping the strategic, operational, and scientific direction of the Office.

The Deputy Director is charged with advancing the OFS mission through oversight of complex forensic analyses involving physical, chemical, biological, and digital evidence in support of criminal investigations. The position serves as a principal advisor and collaborator to the Executive Director, supporting organizational priorities in strategic planning, resource allocation, interagency partnerships, grant and contract development, procurement, technology implementation, and accreditation compliance. The Deputy Director represents OFS in high-stakes environments, including intergovernmental collaborations, crime scenes, court proceedings, and public forums.

Essential Functions

• Work is performed with a high degree of independence and requires a mastery of forensic science management, adherence to national and international quality standards, and the ability to effectively lead a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce
• Provides executive leadership over the daily operations of forensic laboratory sections, ensuring high-quality, timely, and legally sound forensic services across disciplines.
• Oversees a large, multidisciplinary staff of scientists, analysts, and administrative professionals through Police Captains and Assistant Directors.
• Directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of laboratory policies, protocols, and procedures in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB, and other accreditation standards.
• Establishes performance benchmarks, quality assurance protocols, and audit systems to ensure continuous improvement and risk mitigation across all units.
• Serves as a senior liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judicial personnel regarding forensic methodologies, evidence handling, and expert testimony.
• Leads the laboratory’s strategic planning process, including budget development, grant acquisition, technology procurement, and interagency resource coordination.
• Oversees and advances research initiatives, validation studies, and technology transfers; evaluates emerging forensic science trends for potential integration into OFS operations.
• Supports accreditation and quality assurance efforts, regularly reviewing audit findings and risk assessments to maintain operational integrity and legal defensibility.
• Provides oversight during major crime scenes, critical incidents, and public safety events requiring forensic or scientific response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reviews legislation and regulatory guidance impacting forensic operations; recommends and implements appropriate policy responses.
• Coordinates internal training programs to ensure staff are proficient in the most current scientific and legal practices; supports professional development and succession planning across OFS.
• Represents OFS at public hearings, professional associations, conferences, and interagency task forces.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Forensic science disciplines, methodologies, and evidence-handling protocols.
• Laboratory management and strategic leadership in a high-volume, accredited forensic science environment.
• National and international forensic standards (ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB, OSAC, FBI QAS, ATF MROS).
• Chain-of-custody protocols, courtroom evidentiary standards, and expert testimony best practices.
• Quality assurance systems, audit processes, and risk mitigation in forensic laboratories.
• Budgetary practices, public procurement procedures, and grant/funding mechanisms.
• Organizational change management, workforce development, and strategic planning in public-sector laboratories.

SKILL IN:

• Leading and managing multidisciplinary teams through subordinate leadership layers.
• Developing and evaluating scientific methods and validation protocols for forensic use.
• Applying project management principles to complex forensic and cross-agency initiatives.
• Interpreting and implementing policy, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Using data analytics and casework metrics to assess performance and identify trends.
• Communicating complex scientific findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including courts.

ABILITY TO:

• Exercise sound judgment and make high-impact decisions in high-pressure and time-sensitive environments.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, criminal justice partners, and external agencies.
• Balance strategic vision with operational execution in a fast-paced, legally sensitive environment.
• Directly engage in emergency response and public safety operations requiring scientific or forensic support.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and excellence in public forensic services.

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biological science, forensic science, applied science, physical or natural science, or a closely related field.

At least three years of experience performing administrative and technical forensic laboratory work at the level of Assistant Deputy Director or equivalent. This experience must include:

• Directing the operations of a forensic laboratory section through subordinate managers;
• Participating in strategic planning, grant and resource management, and accreditation compliance;
• Planning, directing, and evaluating a range of forensic analyses across physical, chemical, biological, and digital evidence;
• Ensuring compliance with national and international quality assurance standards and laboratory accreditation requirements;
• Providing expert testimony in legal proceedings;
• Collaborating with senior leadership to shape forensic policy, operations, and investigative support.

To be Considered for Position

Proof of successful completion of a training program within an accredited forensic science organization, which resulted in qualification as an expert (forensic examiner) in the area of specialty. Qualification must have included independent forensic casework, routine proficiency testing, and testimony as an expert in the area of specialty/discipline. External candidates must provide documentation to support their qualification as an expert.  Documentation should include:

1. A certificate or letter from an accredited forensic laboratory that details the area and date of qualification.
2. Proof of the laboratory’s accreditation from ASCLD-LAB, FQS, or another ISO 17025 forensic accrediting body.
3. Proof of successful completion of routine proficiency test may include copies of proficiency test results, a summary document from the laboratory’s quality assurance program, or other documentation that details scope and completion of proficiency testing.
4. Proof of testimony experience may include a copy of a court transcript from one or more trials, or a letter from a court official detailing the expert’s experience testifying in court as an expert in a specific discipline.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and references.

Salary Range: $155,00 to $170,000 depending on qualifications

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx