Criminalist I - Toxicology

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) seeks a Criminalist / Toxicologist in its Forensic Services - Toxicology Department to perform complex analyses and provide criminal justice testimony. A baccalaureate degree is required, with specific experience in forensic lab techniques and evidence handling.

Candidates must meet Class III officer requirements and complete SC Criminal Justice Academy training.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree in chemistry with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry.
• Ability to meet Class 3 certified officer requirements and complete SC Academy training.
• Knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques including MS, GC, LC, immunoassays and extractions.
• Ability to interpret findings, prepare reports, and testify in court.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex chemical analyses on body fluids and tissues using MS, GC, LC, and immunoassays; document results.
• Participate in training programs related to toxicology and safety topics.
• Serve as an expert witness in forensic toxicology.
• Assist with evaluation, maintenance, and calibration of instrumentation; maintain custody of evidence.
• Follow QA and safety procedures and assist with accreditation-related tasks.
• Maintain knowledge of foreign compounds and their effects on individuals.

Skills

Forensic toxicology knowledge

Evidence handling

Court testimony

Laboratory analysis

Education

Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or related science

Tools

Mass Spectrometry

Gas Chromatography

Liquid Chromatography

Immunoassays (ELISA)

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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.