Forensic Scientist I

State of North Carolina

10d•$55,000 - $60,619

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General of North Carolina, represents the state, state agencies, and elected officials, and defends the rights of the people of North Carolina. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal cases at their request. Additionally, the Department of Justice includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions. The primary purpose of the State Crime Laboratory is to accept, find, preserve and provide scientific forensic analysis of evidence for the criminal justice community. The forensic services provided include in-lab analyses, technical field assistance, and expert witness testimony in the following areas: Digital Evidence, Drug Chemistry, Firearm & Tool Mark, Forensic Biology, DNA Database, Latent Evidence, Toxicology and Trace Evidence. 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, semen, and saliva). The analyst will then perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that particular body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, bone, organs, muscle etc.) submitted. This position is responsible for the analysis of evidence from all case types excluding death investigations and is mainly responsible for the analysis of evidence from sexual assaults and property crimes. Analysts in this position may be tasked to work homicides and other cases once they have testified the first time and as the need arises. This position will perform casework with a limited 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. 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. In addition, Forensic Scientists must complete the annual requirements for proficiency testing. 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

Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
Working knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence.
Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying or explaining procedures to others.
Working knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
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.

Responsibilities

perform entry level Forensic Biology casework
preparing written reports of the results
providing expert testimony in court on the results of analyses
analysis involves the examination of evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood, semen, and saliva)
perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that particular body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, bone, organs, muscle etc.) submitted
responsible for the analysis of evidence from all case types excluding death investigations and is mainly responsible for the analysis of evidence from sexual assaults and property crimes
tasked to work homicides and other cases once they have testified the first time and as the need arises
perform casework with a limited 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
stay current in the field of Forensic Biology to keep up with the latest trends and technologies
periodically review scientific literature and attend scientific conferences and training
complete at minimum 8.0 hours of continuing education as required by federal guidelines
complete the annual requirements for proficiency testing