Responsibilities

The Digital Forensics Laboratory Manager will lead the operations of the Rural Digital Forensics Initiative (RDFI) Laboratory and support the Rural Digital Forensics Initiative (RDFI) Studio, a three-year, grant-funded project with potential for extension, aimed at enhancing digital forensics capabilities in rural communities. This role will provide critical support to law enforcement partners, contribute to the development of digital forensics training materials, and engage with students through various educational initiatives. The Manager will ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory, assist in evidence analysis, and work with students in various capacities. Additionally, the Manager may provide expert witness testimony.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the RDFI Laboratory, including assisting law enforcement partners with equipment and procedures, and developing and enforcing standard operating protocols. This includes ensuring legal procedures are followed, maintaining chain of custody protocols, assisting law enforcement with data extraction, and facilitating data analysis in time-sensitive, active investigations.
Procure, maintain, and utilize digital forensics hardware and software, and stay current with advancements in the field through ongoing training and certification. This includes obtaining and maintaining certifications for all utilized technologies.
Provide expertise for the development of RDFI Studio training materials.
Participate in laboratory, school, college, and university events, including guest lecturing, internship supervision, and research project support.
Generate reports and statistics for submission to the Department of Justice, as required by grant-related responsibilities.
Serve as a liaison between the RDFI Lab and various law enforcement agencies.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Three years of experience analyzing digital evidence for criminal investigations and hold a current Law Enforcement Officer state certification.
Must be able to complete the following certifications within twelve (12) months of employment:
- Current law enforcement officer state certification
- Basic Computer Evidence Recovery Training (BCERT)
- Advanced Forensics Training Course
- Magnet Forensics GrayKey Qualified Investigator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of and a demonstrated record of compliance with legal and ethical guidelines related to investigations, rules of evidence, and expert testimony.
Familiarity with current digital forensics technologies (e.g., Cellebrite, EnCase, Magnet AXIOM, or similar tools).
Ability to critically analyze and interpret digital evidence in complex criminal investigations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide expert witness testimony in court.
Demonstrated ability to lead, as evidenced by supervisory, mentorship, and/or teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Computer Science).
Five years of experience analyzing digital evidence for criminal investigations.
Currently holds one or more current certifications in digital forensic methods or technologies (e.g., Basic Computer Evidence Recovery Training (BCERT), Advanced Forensics Training Course, Magnet Forensics GrayKey Qualified Investigator).
Proficiency with current digital forensics tools and technologies (e.g., Cellebrite, EnCase, Magnet AXIOM, or similar platforms).
At least one year of demonstrated experience in teaching, training, or mentoring.

Compensation

Salary Range: $64,124-75,000.

For benefits, see www.usm.edu.

How to apply

Please apply at https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=4615&site=1

Contact:
Kristi Johnson
Search Committee Chair
Kristi.Johnson@usm.edu
601.266.5124

Apply