Forensic Seized Drug Chemist

Department of Health and Human Services • Augusta, ME

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is seeking a Forensic Seized Drug Chemist III to test and analyze controlled substances seized by law enforcement agencies. Using sophisticated instrumentation and techniques to weigh and identify various controlled substances, the Chemist analyzes the samples to determine if illegal or controlled substances are present. This position will perform complex analytical procedures to determine the presence of suspected controlled substances from evidence submitted by law enforcement, interpret and evaluate analytical results for reporting purposes, review and evaluate case contents to ensure work is scientifically valid and meets all laboratory requirements, and prepare written reports and testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. The position will also assist with validations of new methods, quality assurance tasks including weekly and monthly maintenance on instruments, inventory of chemicals and standards, internal audits, document and procedure review, safety risk evaluations, and scheduling instruments for service.

Requirements

• A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science
• Two (2) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry
• Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience in a forensic testing laboratory, specifically the discipline of forensic toxicology
• At least 2 years of experience in a forensic laboratory examining evidence for the presence of controlled substances which includes testifying in a court of law
• Experience using analytical instrumentation such as GC/MS, FTIR, and LC/MS
• Experience with measurement uncertainty and statistical sampling pertaining to controlled substances analysis
• Experience working with quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures
• Experience performing analytical method validations

Responsibilities

• Maintain care, custody and control of evidence to meet laboratory, legal, and accreditation standards
• Select specimens for testing and determine applicable sampling plans
• Perform basic statistical analyses on results
• Prepare analytical reports that summarize your findings
• Prepare and document the preparation of reagents and standards
• Participate in method and instrument validations
• Provide support to law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys
• Provide testimony in a court of law for criminal proceedings
• Participate in proficiency testing and other quality control programs
• Serve as back up evidence technician as needed

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS)
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents
• Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act

What This Job Offers

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