Forensic Scientist (Chemist)

DC Government; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The District of Columbia Government's Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) is seeking a forensic chemist to perform laboratory analyses of physical evidence and surveillance samples, interpret complex data, and contribute to quality assurance and accreditation activities.

You will train scientists, oversee new processes, and collaborate with laboratory managers to ensure technology aligns with DFS goals. Work is in a protected facility with background checks and mandatory drug testing.

Qualifications

• Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with 30 chemistry hours and calculus.
• OR combination of education and experience with similar chemistry and physics requirements.
• Specialized experience in forensic chemistry or related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses of evidence in forensic chemistry.
• Ensure methodologies meet standards and support accreditation.
• Train scientists and oversee development of new processes.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Quality assurance

Data interpretation

Education

Chemistry background and calculus coursework

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS ). The mission of the DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.

The position is responsible for conducting forensic chemistry analytical work, to include controlled dangerous substance analysis as well as surveillance testing. The work includes data analysis and interpretation of the complex composition of molecules, physical and chemical properties molecular structure and chemical reactions. The position supervises all aspects of technology in positioning DFS as a national leader in technology; and works in conjunction with the laboratory managers, supervisors, and technical leader to ensure that technology and unit operations align with departmental goals and services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Performs laboratory analyses of physical evidence and surveillance samples within the forensic chemistry discipline of the FSL, demonstrates competency and on-going proficiency in laboratory processing, interpretation, and technical review as authorized by the technical leader; participate in and completes externally administrated proficiency test; ensures methodologies and procedures used are compliant with established standards, and is responsible for quality assurance and accreditation compliance activities.

Completes an advance research project and/or performs a vital role in the overall operation of the unit by independently performing a high-level task such as training and/or overseeing training of scientists, developing, and validating new processes and procedures, or overseeing biosurveillance program.

Qualifications and Education

Basic Requirements:

Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

Combination of education and experience - course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience, or additional education.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

N/A

Working Conditions/Environment

This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS.

The work environment includes office setting,laboratory conditions, training facility, and courtrooms. The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, blood borne pathogens, and is required to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, etc.

The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.

Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade:CS-1320-13

Promotion Potential:No Known Promotion Potential

Type of Appointment:Career Service (CS), Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Local R3-05, and subject to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Suitability: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employmentand randomDrug and Alcohol Testing.In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.”

Position Designation: This position has been designated as emergency and acceptance of this offer confirms you agree to adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding essential/emergency employees. As an emergency employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: T he District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.