Forensic Scientist 2 (In-Training) Project Position in Seattle

State of Washington • King County - Seattle – Other, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Seattle Toxicology Laboratory is hiring for one Forensic Scientist 2 position. This is a project position with an end date of June 30, 2029, however funding is anticipated beyond that date. This position has been designated as “in-training”. As such, WSP will consider filling this position at the Forensic Scientist 1, or Forensic Scientist 2 level. The salary range will depend upon at which level the position is filled at and the qualifications of the successful candidate. Forensic Scientist 1 ( in-training) $ 5,111 - $ 6,870 Forensic Scientist 2 ( in-training) $ 5,642 - $ 7 ,592 The Toxicology Laboratory is a Division within the Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau of the WSP, providing statewide forensic toxicology services (alcohol and drug testing in biological specimens) for law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, medical examiners and coroners as outlined in RCW 43.43.670 and WAC 448-14. This position supports the mission by providing expert forensic analysis of toxicology evidence in statewide criminal investigations. This position will be primarily responsible for conducting blood alcohol (volatiles) analysis utilizing headspace gas chromatography.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment for response to mobilizations.
• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science or closely related field. (Examples of related fields include but are not limited to: pharmacology, medical technology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, genetics, cellular or molecular biology or toxicology.)
• Chemistry coursework required. 20 semester or 30 quarter hours. Including a minimum of 5 quarter hours of quantitative chemistry laboratory or equivalent (with a passing grade).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Must be willing to travel statewide, and other states, for court testimony.
• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
• Applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine case analyses on evidence submitted to the toxicology lab, using approved methods, under the direction from supervisors or management staff.
• Receive continued training.
• Further knowledge on the operation and maintenance of the laboratory instrumentation.
• Provide court testimony when necessary in WA.
• Explain the meaning of the results to our customers and user agencies.
• Perform routine analytical testing for alcohol and drugs on biological samples.
• Report scientific findings supported by data using a laboratory information management system.
• Provide expert opinions and explains the role that alcohol or drugs may play based on training and experience as a forensic scientist.
• Quality Assurance processes to include instrument maintenance, peer batch review (where applicable), method validation and verification, and proficiency testing.
• Perform testing to validate and verify methods using guidelines established by the QA department.
• Evaluates data.
• Perform testing on proficiency sample.
• Perform instrument maintenance.
• Perform peer batch review.
• Provide training to the customer.
• Performs laboratory safety duties.
• Assist in the lab cleanliness.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules
• Telework options
• Infants at Work Program
• Continuous growth and development opportunities
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level