Executive Director of the Forensic Science Center

Position Details

Position Information

Banner Position Number R10135 Position Title Executive Director of the Forensic Science Center Classification Title MURC-Biological Technicians Department Forensic Science - RC5500 Job Description

The Executive Director provides executive management and leadership of the Marshall University Forensic Science Center (MUFSC) and is responsible for its strategic and operational planning. The Executive Director reports to the Provost and oversees the business operations for the Forensic Science Center including the MUFSC DNA Laboratory.

Nationally recognized and accredited, the MUFSC DNA Laboratory provides essential testing services to state and local criminal justice systems throughout the United States. The laboratory is certified as a WV Criminal Justice Agency, accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and ISO/IEC 17025 compliant. In addition, laboratory personnel provide training for a variety of stakeholders in laboratory technologies and for sexual assault nurse examiners.

The Executive Director develops, administers, and evaluates programs and services in the scope of the Forensic Science Center, develops and maintains relationships with external agencies, assures the MUSFC DNA Laboratory maintains its accreditation, and coordinates with external and internal stakeholders. The work of the Executive Director influences all aspects of the Forensic Science Center and the reliability, accuracy, and adequacy of the services provided.

The Forensics Science Center has a close and synergistic relationship with Marshall’s academic programs in Forensics. The Executive Director maintains a close collaboration between the Forensic Science Center, the co-located MS in Forensics program, and other academic programs to ensure the Center supports Marshall’s interdisciplinary and academic missions.

Job Responsibilities Of The Executive Director Include

• Provide executive-level management of the Forensic Science Center and associated staff and facilities. The MUFSC DNA Laboratory Director reports directly to this position.
• Planning and managing finances, including budgets, expenses, and funding. Monitoring and allocating resources. Prepares the annual operating budget, salary category detail files, budget comparisons, revenue projections and cash reconciliation.
• Manage business efforts and build connections with private and governmental agencies.
• Engage with local, state, and national leaders, legislatures, policy makers, influence legislative, policy, and regulatory support for the Forensic Science Center.
• Engage with industry executives and corporate partners to develop relationships and secure conracts and other sources of funding.
• Develop engagement activities to enhance the visibility of the Forensic Science Center to the Marshall community and the broader public.
• Maintain and expand, as appropriate, certifications and accreditations for the Forensic Science Center.
• Maintain and expand the DNA testing capacity of the Laboratory to include the most current and technologically advanced technologies for DNA testing.
• Collaborate with college deans and Marshall academic programs in forensics, especially the Master of Science program in Forensic Science. Develop and maintain working relationships with participating faculty.
• Develop of memoranda of understanding between the Forensic Science Center and other scientific organizations.
• Interact with law enforcement agencies, especially the WV State Police Forensic Laboratory and the WVSP Digital Forensic Laboratory.
  
  

Priority Tasks For The Position Include

• Establish a sustainable and forward-looking financial model for the Forensic Science Center.
• Develop and administer private, industry, and governmental contracts and agreements.
• Facilitate the work of the West Virginia Forensic Genealogy Commission, in coordination with external partners including the RGEN Company and the West Virginia Fusion Center.
• Work with all stakeholders to develop an updated strategic plan for the Forensic Science Center.
• Convene the external advisory council for the Forensic Science Center and fill any outstanding vacancies.
  
  

Location MURC - Marshall University Research Corporation Salary Range Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Doctoral or Master’s degree in Forensic Science or Molecular Biology, or related science (Forensic DNA specialization preferred) with additional qualifications in business and management.
  
  

Experience

• Extensive experience in DNA forensic laboratory administration and operation.
• Well versed in quality assurance systems specific to forensic laboratories.
• Proven leadership within the scientific community.
• Significant experience with private or governmental funding.
• Experience managing financial, administrative, and scientific aspects of forensic laboratory operations.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or higher business degree with experience in Forensic Science.
  
  

Experience

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number MR0756 Open Date 01/25/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Doctoral or Master's degree in Forensic Science or Molecular Biology, or related science (Forensic DNA specialization preferred) with additional qualifications in business and management?
• Yes
• No
  

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
  
  

Optional Documents