Lead Seized Drug Unit Chemist – Forensic Lab Supervisor

Department of Health and Human Services; United States; Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

3+ weeks vacation leave annually

Health Insurance Coverage – State pays

Dental Insurance – State coverage

Retirement Plan – MainePERS

Job summary

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Chemist III to supervise the Forensic Chemistry Section within the Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The role leads the Seized Drug Unit and oversees daily operations, ensuring timely case completion and coordination with law enforcement for court dates.

The position requires a chemistry-related bachelor's degree and four years of analytical chemistry experience, with preferred experience in forensic laboratories

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science.
• Four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry; equivalent experience may substitute education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit.
• Ensure seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Communicate with law enforcement and legal partners to prioritize rush cases and coordinate analysts’ availability for court dates.
• Receive training in testing methods and apply knowledge to assist with seized drug analysis.
• Participate in proficiency testing and annual internal audits.
• Conduct technical reviews of seized drug cases.
• Testify in court regarding results of seized drug cases as required.
• Train and mentor new analysts.
• Lead validations of new instruments and methods.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

GC/MS

FTIR

LC/MS

Job description

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Chemist III to supervise the Forensic Chemistry Section within the Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The role leads the Seized Drug Unit and oversees daily operations, ensuring timely case completion and coordination with law enforcement for court dates.

The position requires a chemistry-related bachelor's degree and four years of analytical chemistry experience, with preferred experience in forensic laboratories