Forensic Chemist I: Chemical Analysis & Evidence Lab

City and County of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

City and County of San Francisco seeks a Criminalist I in Chemical Analysis to train in basic chemical analyses, evidence screening, and specimen handling. You will perform routine laboratory duties and progress to complex tasks while supporting court testimony as an expert witness.

Qualified candidates hold a bachelor’s in a physical science with chemistry coursework and a valid driver’s license. The role emphasizes accuracy, documentation, and adherence to quality standards in a dynamic city

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a physical science field with relevant coursework.
• Must include 8 semester units of chemistry with lab and 8 units of organic chemistry with lab.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Retrieves evidence from crime scenes and maintains chain of custody.
• Preserves and documents evidence following lab standards.
• Operates and maintains laboratory instruments and reagents.
• Presents laboratory findings as an expert witness in court.
• Identifies controlled substances such as cocaine and heroin.
• Assists in breath alcohol analysis and instrumental support.
• Participates in proficiency testing per national QA standards.

Skills

Forensic chemistry

Laboratory documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field

8 semester units chemistry with lab

8 units organic chemistry with lab

Job description

City and County of San Francisco seeks a Criminalist I in Chemical Analysis to train in basic chemical analyses, evidence screening, and specimen handling. You will perform routine laboratory duties and progress to complex tasks while supporting court testimony as an expert witness.

Qualified candidates hold a bachelor’s in a physical science with chemistry coursework and a valid driver’s license. The role emphasizes accuracy, documentation, and adherence to quality standards in a dynamic city