Criminalist I - Toxicology
About The Position
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is hiring a Criminalist in its Forensic Services – Toxicology Department. The role serves as a Criminalist/Toxicologist and as a commissioned, certified Class III Law Enforcement Officer, helping maintain public order, detect and investigate crimes, support prosecutions, and protect the safety and security of South Carolina residents. The position performs complex chemical analyses of body fluids and tissues for drugs, alcohols, and poisons; documents and reports findings; participates in toxicology-related training; and may testify as an expert witness. It also involves handling evidence, supporting analytical instrumentation and accreditation activities, following quality and safety procedures, and maintaining law-enforcement certification. The position may require responses after normal business hours, including emergency toxicological analysis at any time, and limited overnight travel.
Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree in chemistry with at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) in chemistry from an accredited college or university; a baccalaureate degree in a related science field may be considered with significant laboratory experience.
- Ability to meet all requirements for a Class III certified law enforcement officer commissioned by the State of South Carolina and successfully complete the prescribed legal training course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
- Knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques, including mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, immunoassays, and liquid- and solid-phase extractions.
- Knowledge of foreign compounds and their effects on individuals.
- Ability to interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
- Integrity and a basic understanding of scientific principles involved in forensic toxicology.
- Ability to respond after normal business hours, potentially on a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week basis, for emergency toxicological analysis.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a forensic laboratory.
Responsibilities
- Perform complex chemical analyses of body fluids and tissues for drugs, alcohols, and poisons.
- Generate scientific documentation and reports of analyses.
- Participate in training programs related to toxicology, quality, and safety.
- Serve as an expert witness in forensic toxicology.
- Assist with evaluation, procurement, repair, maintenance, and calibration of analytical instrumentation and complete required documentation.
- Maintain responsibility for evidence in custody and complete required documentation.
- Follow applicable quality assurance and safety procedures.
- Assist with accreditation-related functions.
- Develop knowledge of foreign compounds and their possible effects on individuals.
- Maintain certification as a commissioned Class III law enforcement officer as required by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
- Respond after normal business hours to Toxicology Department or other SLED functions, including possible emergency toxicological analysis.
Benefits
- Health insurance for employee, spouse, and children
- Dental insurance for employee, spouse, and children
- Vision insurance for employee, spouse, and children
- Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance for employee, spouse, and children
- 15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days of sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- State retirement plan
- Deferred compensation programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
