Criminalist I - Toxicology

State of South Carolina

Columbia (SC)

On-site

USD 56,000 - 68,000

Full time

24 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term &amp

Disability, Life Insurance forEmployee

Job summary

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) invites applications for a Criminalist in the Forensic Services - Toxicology Department. The position requires a baccalaureate degree and integrity, with a basic understanding of forensic toxicology.

You will perform complex chemical analyses, participate in training, serve as an expert witness, and maintain equipment and evidence while complying with quality and safety procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in chemistry with significant chemistry coursework.
Knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques, mass spectrometry, chromatography and immunoassays.
Ability to interpret findings, prepare reports, and testify in court.

Responsibilities

Perform complex chemical analyses on body fluids and tissues using MS, GC, LC, immunoassays, and related techniques.
Participate in training programs on quality and safety topics.
Serve as an expert witness in forensic toxicology.
Assist with evaluation, procurement, repair, and calibration of instrumentation.
Maintain custody of evidence and complete required documentation.
Follow QA and safety procedures and assist with accreditation tasks.
Maintain knowledge about foreign compounds and their effects.

Skills

Forensic lab techniques

Interpret findings

Effective communication

Court testimony

Education

Baccalaureate degree in chemistry (or related science) with 30+ semester hours in chemistry

Laboratory experience considered with related science degree

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - Toxicology Department. The candidates must have a baccalaureate degree, integrity, and a basic understanding of scientific principles involved in Forensic Toxicology.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibility

Serve as a Criminalist / Toxicologist in SLED's Forensic Services - Toxicology Department and serve as a commissioned certified Class III Law Enforcement Officer tasked with the maintenance of public order and the detection of crime. To investigate and participate in the detection and prosecution of crimes to insure the safety and security of the citizens of South Carolina.

Specific Duties

Perform complex chemical analyses on body fluids and tissues for drugs, alcohols, and poisons using Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, Immunoassays (i.e. ELISA), Ultraviolet Spectroscopy, Spot Tests, and other equipment/techniques. Generate appropriate scientific documentation and reports of analyses.
Participate in various training programs related to the field of toxicology including quality and safety topics.
Serve as an expert witness in the field of Forensic Toxicology.
Assist with the evaluation, procurement, repair, maintenance, and calibration of analytical instrumentation and complete required documentation.
Maintain responsibility for any evidence in custody and complete required documentation.
Follow applicable quality assurance and safety procedures. Assist with accreditation (ANAB) related functions.
Obtain knowledge about foreign compounds and their possible effects on individuals.
Maintain certification as a commissioned class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in chemistry with a minimum of thirty semester hours (or its equivalent) in chemistry from an accredited college or university. A baccalaureate degree in a related science field from an accredited college or university may be considered with significant laboratory experience.
Must have the ability to meet all requirements of a Class 3 certified law enforcement officer commissioned by the State of South Carolina and successfully complete a prescribed legal training course at the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
Knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques, including mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, immunoassays, and extractions (liquid and solid phase).
Knowledge about foreign compounds and their effects on individuals. Ability to interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
Position requires after normal business hours response to functions related to the Toxicology Department or other components of SLED; may be called 24 hours/7 days a week for emergency toxicological analysis. Limited overnight travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a forensic laboratory.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01. Do you have a baccalaureate degree or will you have a baccalaureate degree within 90 days of the posting date?

02. What was your major area of study?

03. Do you have any laboratory experience? If yes, please briefly describe your experience.

04. Are you able to interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court?

05. If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer of $62,079?

06. As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a polygraph examination?

07. As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a background investigation to include: a criminal history check, driving record, history of drug use, employer and personal reference checks?

08. Have you ever used/experimented with any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.

09. Have you ever purchased or sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and date of action.

10. As a condition of employment, I understand that all sworn and non-sworn employees, including contract and temporary employees will be subject to random drug testing.

11. I understand that these supplemental questions are an official part of this application. Any attempt to misrepresent myself may be grounds for disqualification.

12. I have read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

13. Will you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the selection procedures (e.g., interview, written tests, or job demonstrations)? If yes, contact the human resources office of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

14. How did you learn about this career opportunity? (Careers.SC.Gov; LinkedIn; Employee Referral; Career Fair; Direct E-Mail; Etc.) Please specify below.