Entry Level Forensic Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agency
Dept of Justice
Division
State Crime Lab Investigation
Job Classification Title
Forensic Scientist I (S)
Position Number
60010685
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: $52,592 - $56,650
IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.
The primary purpose of the Drug Chemistry Section is to provide the North Carolina Criminal Justice System with trained and experienced forensic scientists who analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations. The forensic services provided include laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of controlled substances, drug dilution, drug tampering, and clandestine drug laboratories. The primary purpose of this Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level casework - an equitable share of the analyses performed by the Section, prepare written reports of the results of the analyses; provide expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses.
CASE WORK and REPORT WRITING
The Forensic Scientist I performs casework on various types of evidence seized by Law Enforcement officers in the course of drug investigations with the exception of clandestine laboratory evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence, and cases that involve tampering of food products. Examples of this evidence may include, but not be limited to unknown powders,
tablets, botanicals, and liquids.
COLLATERAL DUTIES
Forensic Scientists help to maintain the laboratory equipment and instrumentation and may perform repairs. Forensic Scientists, using current SOPs, prepare chemical reagents and solvents, and perform and document quality control tests on chemical reagents, solvents, equipment, and instrumentation. The Forensic Scientist in this position will assist a
Forensic Scientist II with their collateral duties, as assigned.
PEER REVIEW OF CASEWORK
This position is responsible for the technical review of their peer's laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. It is the reviewer's responsibility to ensure that all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed, and that there are no administrative errors in the case's report or supporting documentation. This position will review reports related to drug investigations with the exception of clandestine laboratory evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence and cases that involve tampering of food products.
COURT TESTIMONY and COMMUNICATION
The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence. The Forensic Scientist participates in competency and proficiency testing.
Overtime may be required based on operational needs
Some travel, including some occasional overnight stays are required
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

• At least two years of laboratory experience, to include the use of GCMS and/or FTIR instrumentation

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; 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.
The North Carolina 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.
The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits.
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
Recruiters@ncdoj.gov
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:
Wendy K Minich
Recruiter Email:
Recruiters@ncdoj.gov