Job Information

Job Title: Senior Manager, Forensic Biology

Job Requisition ID: 87828

Ministry: Public Safety and Emergency Services

Location: Sherwood Park

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found

Classification: Senior Manager, Zone 2

Salary: $5,139.30-$6,526.16 bi-weekly ($134,135 - $170,333/year)

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

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.

Follow these links to find out more about our department here.

Role Responsibilities

Lead Alberta’s Provincial Forensic DNA Program and help shape the future of forensic science. As the province’s senior expert in forensic DNA analysis, you will drive innovation, lead a high-performing team of forensic professionals, and deliver trusted scientific services that support criminal investigations and the justice system. Working closely with law enforcement, government partners, and the broader scientific community, you will advance cutting-edge forensic practices while influencing provincial, national, and international initiatives.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Innovation and Program Development, the Senior Manager, Forensic Biology is responsible for leading the establishment and ongoing delivery of Alberta’s provincial forensic DNA program. This senior leadership role provides scientific, operational, and strategic oversight to ensure the delivery of professional forensic DNA services that meet the standards established by the Canadian judiciary, international accrediting bodies, and the forensic science community.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Scientific Oversight

• Lead the research, development, validation, and implementation of forensic DNA tests, methods, and procedures.
• Establish and oversee the laboratory’s quality management framework, including the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation studies, workflows, and training programs to support accreditation, ongoing operations, and continuous compliance.
• Ensure the laboratory maintains a high level of technical proficiency, with forensic results, methods, and practices grounded in validated scientific principles and aligned with established judicial and accreditation standards.
• Evaluate scientific results and ensure findings are incorporated into operational practices.
• Ensure laboratory practices meet accreditation standards, judicial requirements, and professional best practices.
• Provide expert scientific advice to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Laboratory and Team Leadership

• Provide senior supervision and direction to a multidisciplinary forensic laboratory team, including forensic biologists, administrative staff, and contract personnel.
• Coordinate, prioritize, implement, and evaluate laboratory activities to ensure quality, consistency, and timely service delivery.
• Oversee recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development of staff.
• Ensure effective laboratory operations through oversight of performance, resource allocation, and continuous improvement to meet service delivery and quality objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government partners, scientific laboratories, and nongovernmental organizations.
• Coordinate forensic analysis activities within the division and with provincial, national, and international partners to support effective service delivery and information sharing.
• Provide expert scientific advice to police, scientific partners, and senior leadership to support investigative processes while maintaining scientific independence.

Scientific Leadership and Representation

• Serve as a recognized authority in forensic biology and represent the provincial forensic DNA program at the provincial, national, and international levels.
• Participate in and contribute to provincial scientific committees and advisory bodies.
• Lead and contribute to national and international committees addressing emerging scientific, technical, and policy issues in forensic DNA analysis.
• Advance forensic science through applied research, innovation, and contributions to peer-reviewed publications.
• Present expert knowledge at provincial, national, and international forums, including as an invited or keynote speaker.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in forensic science, molecular biology, genetics, or a related discipline plus 5 years of progressively responsible experience in human forensic DNA analysis.

Equivalency

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, molecular biology, genetics, or a related discipline plus 7 years of progressively responsible experience in human forensic DNA analysis.

Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Preference will be given to those with 6 or more years of direct experience in a human forensic DNA laboratory.

Additional Requirements

• Significant senior level experience in human forensic DNA analysis within an accredited laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific staff and managing complex laboratory operations.
• In-depth knowledge of forensic DNA standards, accreditation requirements, quality assurance frameworks, and the expectations of the Canadian justice system.
• Eligibility to provide expert testimony in court.

Assets

• Experience working within a government or public sector forensic environment, including familiarity with the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB/CODIS) and associated requirements.
• Experience contributing to national or international scientific committees, working groups, or advisory bodies.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to applied forensic research.

Other Application Information

Please include a cover letter outlining how your education and skills align with the role. Final candidates may be required to undergo a written assignment and/or presentation demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews. This position will require final candidates to undergo an enhanced fingerprint-based security clearance. Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Marie Mar Bolaron at Mariemar.Bolaron@gov.ab.ca.