Forensic Scientist IV; Firearms Job Phoenix area,Arizona USA,Science

Position: Forensic Scientist IV (Firearms)

Overview

Arizona Department of Public Safety seeks experienced Forensic Scientist specialized in the Firearms discipline. The role involves using chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence including controlled dangerous substances, biological specimens, firearms, questioned documents, latent prints, trace evidence, and other evidentiary items. The candidate will prepare technical reports, provide expert testimony in court, give technical advice and guidance, train other forensic scientists, recommend revisions to analytical methodology, purchase scientific equipment, and serve as an experienced casework analyst on complex cases.

Responsibilities

Examine, identify, and evaluate suspected evidence including blood, semen, hair, fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, questioned documents, fire accelerants, soils, firearms, latent prints, drugs, poisons, and alcoholic beverages.

Utilize physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, comparative, classification, computer, molecular biology, chromatographic, and visualization techniques and instrumentation (e.g., gas chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, GC-MS, SEM-EDS, variable wavelength forensic light sources, spectrofluorimetry, and immunoassay).

Prepare technical written reports documenting scientific analyses and results.

Attend pre-trial conferences, prepare exhibits for courtroom use, and provide expert testimony in courts throughout the state.

Discuss laboratory test results and evidence collection with officers and attorneys.

Remain current on scientific advancements in the forensic field through technical publications, presentations, and training.

Respond to crime-scene incidents to gather, preserve, and move items of evidence to the crime lab for analysis.

Research and evaluate new methods of analysis to update scientific methodology.

Provide general scientific information in response to questions from Department staff, other agencies, and the public.

Provide technical advice and guidance to other forensic scientists with difficult analyses.

Train new forensic scientists in laboratory methodology and in skills required to attain courtroom qualification.

Instruct law-enforcement personnel in training schools throughout the state in laboratory procedures such as recognizing, handling, and examining physical evidence.

Recommend purchase of scientific equipment and supplies.

Knowledge of

Principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, biology (including molecular biology), toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, and related sciences.
Basic uses and effects of controlled substances.
Hazards and toxicity of chemicals.
Statutes and case law applicable to assigned forensic discipline and use of physical evidence in court.
Rules of criminal procedure concerning time limits, discovery, evidence, and expert witnesses.
Crime-scene procedures.
Techniques for processing items of evidence at crime scenes.
Mathematics related to analyzing scientific data.
Coaching and training techniques to provide technical advice, guidance, and training.

Skill In

Operating laboratory instruments, equipment, and computer systems related to areas of responsibility.

Ability To

Define problems, establish facts, interpret information, and draw valid scientific conclusions.

Recognize minute differences in shape and form.

Chemically identify and quantify compounds such as drugs, diluents, and poisons.

Interpret scientific data to establish statistical probabilities of origin of biological and commercial products.

Effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing.

Testify and undergo intense examination in court.

Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.

Read and interpret scientific materials.

Organize, conduct, and evaluate scientific research.

Handle routine contact with criminal justice members and the public.

Working Conditions

May be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals or materials that transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis

B), are corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive. May be required to move items up to 20 pounds. Must be able to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed.

Additional Requirements

Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or a closely related physical or natural science with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry or at least 20 semester hours of chemistry plus completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry; a minimum of ten years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory;

demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline with at least three years of experience within the discipline; and court or professional presentation experience applicable to forensics.

Additional…