Forensic Scientist I

State of North Carolina•Guilford County, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of the Drug Chemistry Section is to provide the North Carolina Criminal Justice System with trained and experienced forensic scientists who analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations. The forensic services provided include laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of controlled substances, drug dilution, drug tampering, and clandestine drug laboratories. The primary purpose of this Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level casework - an equitable share of the analyses performed by the Section, prepare written reports of the results of the analyses; provide expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses.

Requirements

At least two years of laboratory experience, to include the use of GCMS and/or FTIR instrumentation
Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science with chemistry concentration (organic, inorganic, analytical or physical), forensic science (with concentration in chemistry or toxicology), biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; 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.

Responsibilities

Performs casework on various types of evidence seized by Law Enforcement officers in the course of drug investigations with the exception of clandestine laboratory evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence, and cases that involve tampering of food products. Examples of this evidence may include, but not be limited to unknown powders, tablets, botanicals, and liquids.
Helps to maintain the laboratory equipment and instrumentation and may perform repairs.
Prepares chemical reagents and solvents, and performs and documents quality control tests on chemical reagents, solvents, equipment, and instrumentation.
Assists a Forensic Scientist II with their collateral duties, as assigned.
Responsible for the technical review of their peer’s laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed, and that there are no administrative errors in the case’s report or supporting documentation. This position will review reports related to drug investigations with the exception of clandestine laboratory evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence and cases that involve tampering of food products.
Must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence.
Participates in competency and proficiency testing.