Forensic Seized Drug Chemist

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist II

Opening Date:
July 10, 2026

Closing Date:
July 23, 2026

Job Class Code: 6402

Grade: 24

Salary: $56,867.20 - $79,705.60 per year*

* This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: ,

Location:

Augusta

These positions allow for partial telework with manager approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is seeking a Forensic Seized Drug Chemist III to test and analyze controlled substances seized by law enforcement agencies. Using sophisticated instrumentation and techniques to weigh and identify various controlled substances, the Chemist analyzes the samples to determine if illegal or controlled substances are present.

This position will perform complex analytical procedures to determine the presence of suspected controlled substances from evidence submitted by law enforcement, interpret and evaluate analytical results for reporting purposes, review and evaluate case contents to ensure work is scientifically valid and meets all laboratory requirements, and prepare written reports and testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. The position will also assist with validations of new methods, quality assurance tasks including weekly and monthly maintenance on instruments, inventory of chemicals and standards, internal audits, document and procedure review, safety risk evaluations, and scheduling instruments for service.

• Maintain care, custody and control of evidence to meet laboratory, legal, and accreditation standards
• Select specimens for testing and determine applicable sampling plans
• Perform basic statistical analyses on results
• Prepare analytical reports that summarize your findings
• Prepare and document the preparation of reagents and standards
• Participate in method and instrument validations
• Provide support to law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys
• Provide testimony in a court of law for criminal proceedings
• Participate in proficiency testing and other quality control programs
• Serve as back up evidence technician as needed

A Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and two (2) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• At least 2 years of experience in a forensic testing laboratory, specifically the discipline of forensic toxicology
• At least 2 years of experience in a forensic laboratory examining evidence for the presence of controlled substances which includes testifying in a court of law
• Experience using analytical instrumentation such as GC/MS, FTIR, and LC/MS
• Experience with measurement uncertainty and statistical sampling pertaining to controlled substances analysis
  
  Experience working with quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures
• Experience performing analytical method validations

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and…