Oversees all Quality Assurance (QA) efforts within the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  Maintains the QA policies and drives the sections to meet service/testing requirements.  Establishes the quality goals and metrics for the agency.  Develops and executes the agency's process control systems.  Drives and monitors the implementation process of the process control systems.  When monitoring, reviews resports and adjusts the strategic plans to assure the process control systems meet the agency service/testing requirements.  Periodically reviews Quality Control (QC) documents and records to ensure that the quality of analysis is acceptable.  Ensures that the appropriate corrective action is taken when QC data fall outside its acceptable range.  Verifies and evaluates subordinates performances through the review of completed work assignments.  Develops continuous education programs for subordinate staff.  Monitors the implementation of quality control protocols and methods as required by each section.  Analyzes the nature and cause of non-conformance to identify areas needing improvement.  Initiates corrective and preventive actions.  Designs and administers internal proficiency and/or blind test(s) as needed.  Maintains personnel records needed for compliance with accreditation guidelines.  Keeps Key Members of Management informed of section activities, changes, and any unusual circumstances.  Rigorously follows all safety procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and QA and QC procedures.  Will participate in continuing education programs; attending a minimum of 16 hours of instruction in relevant areas annually.  Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Examiner or designee.  Must provide a DNA sample to be maintained by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory for quality assurance purposes.  Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods in various work environments.  Must become familiar with QA procedures, policies, and Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure and Standard Operation Procedues in other aspects of the Institute of Forensic Science operations.