Forensic Scientist I

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice, State Crime Lab Investigation, is seeking an entry level Forensic Scientist I (S) to perform DNA testing and bodily fluid analyses in Raleigh and regional labs. You will prepare written reports and may provide expert testimony in court on results of analyses.

The role requires a biology-related bachelor's degree and a commitment to ongoing education, with certification required within eighteen months of eligibility. Overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or closely related field with coursework in biochemistry and genetics.
• Master’s degree in biological science or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Must obtain certification per ISO standards within eighteen months of eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry level Forensic Biology casework including writing reports and providing court testimony.
• Analyze evidence for bodily fluids and perform DNA testing to identify donors.
• Work with high technical independence and maintain quality assurance.
• Stay current with forensic biology trends and complete continuing education.

Skills

DNA analysis

Biology

Forensic science

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor's in biology/related field

Master's in biological science (preferred)

Tools

PCR

DNA sequencing

Serology

Job description

Agency

Dept of Justice

Division

State Crime Lab Investigation

Job Classification Title

Forensic Scientist I (S)

Position Number

60095572

Grade

NC14

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General of North Carolina, represents the state, state agencies, and elected officials, and defends the rights of the people of North Carolina. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal cases at their request. Additionally, the Department of Justice includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions.

Description of Work

Recruitment Range: $55,000 - $60,619

IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.

The State Crime Laboratory of the Department of Justice maintains a full-service forensic science laboratory to assist all law enforcement agencies in North Carolina in the investigation of criminal matters. The Laboratory’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art forensic services in the areas of drug analysis, blood alcohol/drug content, firearms, latent prints, footwear and tire tracks, forensic biology, computer forensics, and trace evidence. The services are provided by a central laboratory in Raleigh, N.C. and regional laboratories located in Edneyville, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C.

The primary purpose of the Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level Forensic Biology casework:

• An equitable share of analyses performed by the Section to include preparing written reports of the results and providing expert testimony in court on the results of analyses.
• The analysis involves the examination of evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood and semen).
• The analyst will then perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that particular body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, organs, muscle etc.) submitted.
• This position is responsible for the analysis of evidence from all case types excluding cold cases, and highly complex cases until such time as the need arises and enough experience has been gained.
• The Forensic Scientist I will perform casework with a high degree of technical independence.
• Serology testing will be performed using a combination of visual and chemical testing of a wide range of different evidence types. This testing will utilize a variety of presumptive and/or confirmatory tests. The analyst must also have knowledge of other current and historical tests serving a similar purpose.
• Forensic DNA testing uses PCR STR methods that involve a multi-step process. The analyst must also have knowledge of other current and historical DNA technologies serving a similar purpose.
• The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of Forensic Biology to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. In order to stay current, the Forensic Scientist must periodically review scientific literature and attend scientific conferences and training.
• Forensic Scientists in the Forensic Biology Section must complete at minimum 8.0 hours of continuing education as required by federal guidelines.
• Forensic Scientists must complete the annual requirements or proficiency testing.
• This position is responsible for the review of their peer’s laboratory reports and supporting documentation to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance.
• The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of evidence.
• The analyst must project a professional image in dealing with the public, law enforcement officers, and attorneys by telephone, written communications, and in person.
• This position will be assigned one or more collateral duties and/or perform advanced level tasks reserved for a Forensic Scientist I that are essential to ensure the daily operations of the Section are maintained.

Overtime may be required due to the business needs of the laboratory.

The selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes:

• polygraph
• credit and arrest checks
• interviews with associates to include personal and business references, past employers, and neighbors
• verification of education achievement
• fingerprinting
• urinalysis drug screening

Out of state applicants: After the initial interview, this may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense to undergo the background investigation process.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Management Preferences:

Master’s degree in biological science or related science or 2 years laboratory experience.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in biochemistry, genetic, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Supplemental Information:

Resumes and cover letters: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer.

Using the terms "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will not be accepted, and your application will be rejected as incomplete. Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.

Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application. Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NC Department of Justice
Human Resources
[e-mail]

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.