Forensic Scientist III

Justice•Guilford County, NC

2d•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 III is to perform casework at all levels – 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. The position is also responsible for one or more collateral duties within the Drug Chemistry section.

Requirements

Five years or more of forensic laboratory experience, to include the use of GCMS and FTIR instrumentation.
Experience with Forensic Advantage (Laboratory Information Management System).
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 and four years of experience performing bench level analysis in drug chemistry / toxicology; 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.

Nice To Haves

Certification with the American Board of Criminalistics in Drug Analysis and Seized Drug Analysis

Responsibilities

Performs casework on various types of evidence seized by Law Enforcement officers in the course of drug investigations, including unknown powders, tablets, botanicals, liquids, and clandestine laboratory submissions.
Can perform all casework that a Forensic Scientist II can perform and additionally, drug tampering/dilutions and cases that involve tampering of food products.
Helps to maintain the laboratory equipment and instrumentation and may perform repairs.
Prepares chemical reagents, solvents, and performs and documents quality control tests on chemical reagents, solvents, equipment, and instrumentation using current SOPs.
Responsible for the technical review of peer's laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance, ensuring all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed, and that there are no administrative errors in the case’s report or supporting documentation.
Reviews all types of Drug Chemistry reports, at all levels of difficulty.
Testifies in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence.
Participates in competency and proficiency testing.