Forensic Scientist I

Justice; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice invites applications for the Forensic Scientist I (Biology) position in the State Crime Lab. You will perform entry level forensic biology casework, including DNA analysis and serology, with opportunities to provide court testimony and maintain rigorous quality standards.

The role emphasizes adherence to ISO standards, ongoing education, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in Raleigh, NC.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Minimum education and experience requirements; equivalency may apply.
• Must obtain certification within eighteen months of eligibility.
• Background investigation including polygraph, credit and arrest checks, and drug screening.
• DNA testing using PCR STR methods and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry level Forensic Biology casework and prepare written reports.
• Provide expert testimony in court on results of analyses.
• Analyze evidence for bodily fluids (e.g., blood, semen).
• Perform DNA testing to determine donors.
• Review peer laboratory reports to ensure quality standards.

Skills

DNA analysis

Forensic biology

Serology testing

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Justice Division State Crime Lab Investigation Job Classification Title Forensic Scientist I (S) Position Number 65034352 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.

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.

Recruiter: Andrea Evet Cannon Recruiter Email: [e-mail]

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast.

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.