Forensic Scientist II

North Carolina Association of Official Court Reporters; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice, State Crime Lab Investigation division, seeks a Forensic Scientist II in Wake County to perform toxicology casework, prepare reports, and testify in court. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/toxicology, two years of bench-level experience, and ABFT certification within 18 months.

Salary range is $57,983–$64,199 per year; this is a full-time position with potential overtime and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science with chemistry concentration, or closely related field and two years bench-level analysis in drug chemistry/toxicology.
• Must obtain certification per international standards within 18 months of eligibility.
• Experience/testimonies as an expert in forensic toxicology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs casework on toxicology evidence from DWI and non-DWI investigations.
• Prepares written reports of analysis results.
• Provides expert testimony in court.

Skills

Forensic Toxicology

Expert testimony

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or toxicology

Two years bench-level drug/toxicology analysis experience

Tools

Forensic Advantage Information Management System

Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Job description

## Forensic Scientist IIApply: Wake County, NC: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 2, 2026 (13 days left to apply): JR-124333**Agency**Dept of Justice**Division**State Crime Lab Investigation**Job Classification Title**Forensic Scientist II (S)**Position Number**60010711**Grade**NC16**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: $57,983 - $64,199 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 from a central laboratory in Raleigh, N.C. and regional laboratories located in Edneyville, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C. The Forensic Scientist II: Performs casework on toxicology evidence seized by Law Enforcement officers from Driving While Impaired (DWI) and all types of non-DWI investigations. Examples of non-DWI investigations are Drug Facility Sexual Assault (DFSA), Homicide, Assault, Abuse and Neglect, and Non-Tax paid liquor. Prepares written reports of the results of the analyses. Provides expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses. 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:**1. Four years of Forensic Toxicology Laboratory experience. 2. Experience with Forensic Advantage Information Management System. 3. Certification by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. 4. Experience with Tandem Mas Spectrometry and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. 5. Experience testifying as an expert in the field of Forensic toxicology. **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. **Drug Chemistry/Toxicology**Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science with chemistry concentration (organic, inorganic, analytical or physical), forensic science (with concentration in chemistry or toxicology), biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience performing bench level analysis in drug chemistry / toxicology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Necessary Special Requirement Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and International Standards Organization 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.