Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide technical support to the Quality Assurance (QA) Unit in maintaining the Quality System of the Centre of Forensic Sciences by maintaining the Proficiency Test Program, QA records and the CFS documentation system, by developing and preparing proficiency tests, by participating in audits and by providing QA training. To provide technical and QA expertise to CFS operational units by monitoring quality control (QC) functions and by preparing and analyzing QC samples.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1 . Administering the Proficiency Test Programs by tracking externally obtained tests and by developing and preparing proficiency tests for forensic disciplines, conducting or overseeing trial testing, tracking and documenting results, and following up with evaluation and recommendations to the Quality Assurance Manager.
2. Maintaining laboratory accreditation standards by advising staff on quality assurance requirements including the preparation and revision of laboratory manuals. calibration of equipment, quality control practices, maintenance
of records, technical evaluation of new methods, and practices to ensure continuity and the integrity of evidence.
3. Monitoring on a regular basis, evidence handling and security practices and records of instrument calibration, maintenance and service, H&S checks, reagent preparation, and functioning of equipment such as
refrigerators/freezers. 4. Maintaining documentation of laboratory manuals and records of proficiency testing,
court testimony, methods validation, equipment calibration and maintenance, and Health and Safety; participating in the creation and updating of standard operating procedures.
5. Preparing QC materials including solutions,
reagents, and reference standards for use in analysis of evidence material by scientific and technical staff;
preparing evidence kits for police investigators (e.g. gunshot residue kits).
6. Performing analysis of QC samples using specialized laboratory instruments such as GC/MS, GC/FID, HPLC, FTIR, DNA sequencers, and SEM.
7. Participating in the development of policies related to Quality Assurance and in staff training in QA and Health
and Safety; participating in annual Quality Assurance internal audits; and preparing reports on Quality Assurance issues.

Staffing and Licensing :

N/A

Knowledge :

- Job requires knowledge of scientific laboratory Quality System principles including the standards for accreditation of forensic laboratories and requirements of a court of law to implement and assess Quality Assurance practices by maintaining programs for proficiency testing and documentation procedures, by monitoring the QA/QC activities of the operational units and by participating in quality system audits;
- job requires knowledge of a variety of forensic laboratory techniques, procedures and principles to assess the efficacy of
quality control measures, prepare proficiency tests, conduct scientific tests on QC and proficiency test samples, identify discrepancies and audit procedures manuals;
- job requires knowledge of legal and scientific requirements for security and evidence handling and storage in order to present the integrity and continuity of evidence for the justice system by reviewing procedures and monitoring compliance;
- job requires knowledge of laboratory health and safety principles and practices including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and
WHMIS regulations to ensure a safe work environment by auditing compliance and providing health and safety
training;
- job requires knowledge of computer software in order to prepare reports, documents, correspondence and maintain databases by entering, sorting, and retrieving information.

Skills :

- Job requires evaluative skills to assess proficiency test nee ds and research the feasibility of developing appropriate tests by consulting with CFS staff and managers, liaison with other laboratories and agencies and referring to scientific and forensic literature.
- Job require s analytical skills to implement the proficiency testing program by designing, preparing evaluating tests for accuracy a nd monitoring their effectiveness .
- Job requires analytical skills to recognize when procedures or test results are inconsistent, erroneous or invalid by analyzing,
troubleshooting and proposing solutions.
- Job requires the ability to identify precautions to be taken in handling biohazards and toxic substances posing risks to personal safety .
- Job requires evaluative skills to recognize and document inconsistencies and non-conformity to standards during quality assurance audits.
- Job requires problem-solving skills to maintain standards by suggesting appropriate policy development areas as a result of proficiency testing and quality assurance audits.
-Job require s oral and written skills to communicate with staff regarding all aspects of Quality System, to provide QA and H&S training to staff and to prepare QA documentation procedures and prepare reports documenting results of QA audits .
- Job requires interpersonal skills to work in a multi-disciplinary, team environment to respond to the needs of staff for QA information and actions and to promote compliance amongst staff with QA practices.

Freedom of Action :

- Job works under established laboratory standards when administering the proficiency test program, preparing and testing QA samples, maintaining documentation and conducting quality assurance audits.
- Job requires latitude in developing appropriate proficiency tests and in troubleshooting tests and procedures, which show
errors or inconsistencies in results.
- Work is reviewed for progress and results in maintaining the proficiency test program and QA documentation and in conducting quality assurance audits. situations clearly outside established methods and procedures would be discussed with the Manager of Quality Assurance. - Job requires making recommendations and suggesting solutions related to Quality Assurance activities