Forensic Scientist I

State of North Carolina • Raleigh, NC

6d • $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.
Recruitment Range: $55,000 - $60,619
IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed. 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 this Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level Firearms casework – an equitable share of the analyses performed by the unit, prepare written reports of the results of the analyses, and provide expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses. The Forensic Scientist I will complete prescribed Firearms training requirements before beginning casework. The Forensic Scientist I will perform casework with a limited degree of technical independence. The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of forensic firearms analysis to keep up with new firearms and ammunition being encountered, new technical and analytical procedures, and changes in the laws that would apply directly to the analysis. 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.
• Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Bachelor's degree with a major in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physical science (physics), mechanical engineering, criminal justice 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

• perform entry level Firearms casework – an equitable share of the analyses performed by the unit
• prepare written reports of the results of the analyses
• provide expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses
• complete prescribed Firearms training requirements before beginning casework
• perform casework with a limited degree of technical independence
• stay current in the field of forensic firearms analysis to keep up with new firearms and ammunition being encountered, new technical and analytical procedures, and changes in the laws that would apply directly to the analysis

What This Job Offers

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