Forensic Scientist I

State of North Carolina•NC Crime Lab Wake, NC

3d•$55,000 - $60,619•Onsite

About The Position

The State Crime Laboratory of the Department of Justice maintains a full-service forensic science laboratory to assist all law enforcement agencies in North Carolina in the investigation of criminal matters. The Laboratory’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art forensic services in the areas of drug analysis, blood alcohol/drug content, firearms, latent prints, footwear and tire tracks, forensic biology, computer forensics, and trace evidence. The services are provided by a central laboratory in Raleigh, N.C. and regional laboratories located in Edneyville, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C. The primary purpose of the Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level Forensic Biology casework: * An equitable share of analyses performed by the Section to include preparing written reports of the results and providing expert testimony in court on the results of analyses. * The analysis involves the examination of evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood and semen). * The analyst will then perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that particular body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, organs, muscle etc.) submitted. * This position is responsible for the analysis of evidence from all case types excluding cold cases, and highly complex cases until such time as the need arises and enough experience has been gained. * The Forensic Scientist I will perform casework with a high degree of technical independence. * Serology testing will be performed using a combination of visual and chemical testing of a wide range of different evidence types. This testing will utilize a variety of presumptive and/or confirmatory tests. The analyst must also have knowledge of other current and historical tests serving a similar purpose. * Forensic DNA testing uses PCR STR methods that involve a multi-step process. The analyst must also have knowledge of other current and historical DNA technologies serving a similar purpose. * The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of Forensic Biology to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. In order to stay current, the Forensic Scientist must periodically review scientific literature and attend scientific conferences and training. * Forensic Scientists in the Forensic Biology Section must complete at minimum 8.0 hours of continuing education as required by federal guidelines. * Forensic Scientists must complete the annual requirements for proficiency testing. * This position is responsible for the review of their peer’s laboratory reports and supporting documentation to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. * The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of evidence. * The analyst must project a professional image in dealing with the public, law enforcement officers, and attorneys by telephone, written communications, and in person. * This position will be assigned one or more collateral duties and/or perform advanced level tasks reserved for a Forensic Scientist I that are essential to ensure the daily operations of the Section are maintained. Overtime may be required due to the business needs of the laboratory. The selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes: * polygraph * credit and arrest checks * interviews with associates to include personal and business references, past employers, and neighbors * verification of education achievement * fingerprinting * urinalysis drug screening Out of state applicants: After the initial interview, this may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense to undergo the background investigation process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in biochemistry, genetic, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.
Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
Must pass a polygraph.
Must pass credit and arrest checks.
Must pass interviews with associates, personal and business references, past employers, and neighbors.
Must pass verification of education achievement.
Must pass fingerprinting.
Must pass urinalysis drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biological science or related science
2 years laboratory experience

Responsibilities

Perform entry level Forensic Biology casework.
Prepare written reports of analysis results.
Provide expert testimony in court on the results of analyses.
Examine evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood and semen).
Perform DNA testing to determine the donor of body fluid or other biological evidence.
Analyze evidence from all case types excluding cold cases and highly complex cases.
Perform casework with a high degree of technical independence.
Perform Serology testing using a combination of visual and chemical testing.
Utilize a variety of presumptive and/or confirmatory tests.
Stay current in the field of Forensic Biology by reviewing scientific literature and attending conferences and training.
Complete a minimum of 8.0 hours of continuing education as required by federal guidelines.
Complete annual requirements for proficiency testing.
Review peer's laboratory reports and supporting documentation for quality assurance.
Testify in state and federal courts as to analysis of evidence.
Project a professional image in dealing with the public, law enforcement officers, and attorneys.
Be assigned one or more collateral duties and/or perform advanced level tasks essential to the daily operations of the Section.