Forensic Scientist I

State of North Carolina; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice, Division State Crime Lab Investigation in Raleigh, seeks an entry level Forensic Scientist I (S) to perform biology casework, document results, and provide expert testimony in court. You will analyze evidence for bodily fluids and DNA using PCR/STR techniques, while maintaining high laboratory standards.

Minimum education includes a bachelor’s degree in biology; a master’s in a related field and two years of lab experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with biology major or closely related field.
• Must obtain certification within 18 months of eligibility.
• Experience or coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry level Forensic Biology casework including reports.
• Provide expert court testimony on analyses.
• Analyze evidence for bodily fluids and DNA using PCR/STR.

Skills

Forensic Biology

DNA testing

Serology

Court testimony

Laboratory analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology

Master’s degree in biological science

Tools

PCR/STR analysis

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 equitableshare 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.bloodandsemen).
• The analyst will thenperform DNA testing todeterminethe donor of thatparticular bodyfluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, organs, muscle etc.)submitted.
• This positionis responsible forthe analysis of evidence from all case types excluding cold cases, andhighlycomplexcases until such time as the need arises and enough experience hasbeen 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 andchemical testing of a wide range of different evidence types. This testing willutilizea variety of presumptiveand/or confirmatory tests. The analyst must also have knowledgeof other current and historical tests serving a similar purpose.
• Forensic DNA testing uses PCR STR methods that involve a multi-step process.Theanalyst 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 tostay 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 orproficiencytesting.
• This positionis responsible forthe review of their peer’s laboratory reports and supporting documentation to ensure they meetlaboratory 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 collateralduties and/or perform advanced level tasks reserved for a Forensic Scientist I that are essential to ensure the daily operations of the Section aremaintained.

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:

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.

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.