Forensic Scientist II

State of North Carolina • Wake County, NC

6d • 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 from 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 II is to perform journey level Forensic Biology casework: - The analysis involves the examination of evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood and semen). 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 will then perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, bone, organs, muscle etc.) submitted. Forensic DNA testing uses PCR STR methods that involve a multi-step process. - 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 II will perform casework with a high degree of technical independence. - The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of Forensic Biology to keep up with the latest trends and technologies by periodically reviewing scientific literature and attending scientific conferences and training. -This position is responsible for the review of their peers’ 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. - Overtime may be required due to the business needs of the laboratory.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biological science or related science
• Four years of experience performing bench level analysis
• 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, genetics, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics
• Two years of experience performing bench level analysis in forensic biology
• Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and International Standards Organization standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey level Forensic Biology casework, including examination of evidence for bodily fluids (blood, semen) using visual and chemical testing.
• Perform DNA testing using PCR STR methods to determine the donor of biological evidence.
• Analyze evidence from all case types, excluding cold cases and highly complex cases.
• Perform casework with a high degree of technical independence.
• Stay current in the field of Forensic Biology by reviewing scientific literature and attending conferences/training.
• Review peers' laboratory reports and supporting documentation for quality assurance.
• Testify in state and federal courts regarding analysis of evidence.
• Work overtime as required by laboratory business needs.

What This Job Offers

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