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Join the Centre of Forensic Sciences, Public Safety Division, as a Senior Forensic Technical Specialist and lead a team of dedicated professionals in the pursuit of justice. In this crucial role, you will provide technical leadership and supervision to Forensic Technical Specialists in one or more specified forensic disciplines (Biology (DNA analysis), Analytical Toxicology, and/or Chemistry). Your expertise will guide the planning, prioritization, and assignment of work, ensuring adherence to quality standards and operational procedures. You will conduct forensic examinations, mentor and train staff, and oversee the meticulous review of forensic work products. Your contributions will be vital in maintaining the integrity of evidence, enhancing laboratory processes, and advancing forensic science through innovative research. If you are passionate about forensic science and possess exceptional leadership, problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills, we invite you to apply and make a meaningful impact in the field of public safety.

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How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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About the job

In this role, you will:
• provide supervision and leadership in planning the activities of a specified technical group, based on scientific
discipline
• prioritize work to ensure operational efficiency
• provide training and assist in the preparation and evaluation of training materials
• provide advice and resolution of technical issues
• conduct technical reviews and evaluations of completed work of Forensic Technical Specialists
• perform a range of analyses specific to one or more specific forensic discipline(s),
Biology-DNA Analysis, Analytical Toxicology, and/or Chemistry
• lead research projects and draft findings, evaluate and develop quality assurance procedures and laboratory protocols
• apply technical and scientific principles to perform advanced or specialized tests that are not amenable to the use of routine controls and procedures to determine the necessary next steps, modifications, or adaptation of the procedures
• ensure effective laboratory operations by setting up, operating, maintaining, calibrating, and validating assigned instrumentation to obtain reliable results
• provide testimony in a court of law, when required

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• Completed post-secondary education from a university (degree) or community college (diploma or certificate) in one of the physical, life or forensic sciences, or equivalent.

Technical Knowledge

You have knowledge of:
• laboratory practices and techniques and scientific theories in such disciplines as chemistry, pharmacology,
biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and their application to forensic science to operate instrumentation and
draft validating operational procedures
• quality assurance to confirm, validate and ensure reliability of test results
• evidence handling procedures to ensure the preservation of potential court evidence to maintain continuity and chain of custody
• legislative authorities (e.g. WHIMS, Occupational Health and Safety) and accreditation standards within own area of specialty to ensure compliance
• Ontario justice system and rules governing giving evidence in order to testify in court
• leading edge and emerging technology in the relevant field of forensic science, and the operations and capabilities of highly scientifically advanced testing instruments and hardware/software
• You can conduct technical review and evaluation of work within own discipline and conduct testing of a variety of forensic
case items and samples (e.g. bodily fluids, tissues, DNA, trace evidence, fire debris, explosives, unknown
substances)

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You have analytical and critical evaluating skills to assess the outcome of laboratory test results, identify discrepancies, recommend solutions, check quality and ensure correct procedures and appropriate results
• You can troubleshoot problems related to samples or laboratory instruments
• You can recommend solutions and consider a variety of alternative testing options to ensure appropriate logical scientific conclusions
• You can provide advice and resolution of technical issues (e.g. problematic samples, equipment use and maintenance)

Research Skills

• You have research skills to collaborate and participate in research projects on new methodologies, evaluation and recommendation of new procedures, equipment, or products

Communication, Interpersonal and Leadership Skills

• You can work in a team environment, and in a one-on-one relationship with staff above and below
• With your oral communication and consultative skills you can provide training to Scientists, students, colleagues and other staff
• You have group leadership skills to provide leadership and mentoring to staff
• You can prepare data findings and detailed notes of observations and tests, draft operating procedures, methods, research
findings and training materials

Time Management Skills

• You have time management skills necessary to ensure efficient workflow of assigned tasks and prioritize cases to ensure operational efficiency of your team

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Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

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Additional information: