Forensic Scientist II

Agency Dept of Justice Division State  Crime Lab Investigation Job Classification Title Forensic Scientist II (S)
Position NumberGradeNC
16

About UsThe 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 - $71,593

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 primary purpose of the Forensic Scientist II is to perform journey level Forensic Biology casework:

The analysis involves the examination of evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood and semen). Serology testing will be performed using a combination of visual and chemical testing of a wide range of different evidence types. This testing will utilize a variety of presumptive and/or confirmatory tests.

The analyst will then perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, bone, organs, muscle etc.) submitted. Forensic DNA testing uses PCR STR methods that involve a multi-step process.

This position is responsible for the analysis of evidence from all case types excluding cold cases, and highly complex cases until such time as the need arises and enough experience has been gained.

The Forensic Scientist II will perform casework with a high degree of technical independence.

The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of Forensic Biology to keep up with the latest trends and technologies by periodically reviewing scientific literature and attending scientific conferences and training.

This position is responsible for the review of their peers’ laboratory reports and supporting documentation to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance.

The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of evidence.

Overtime may be required due to the business needs of the laboratory.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/Management Preferences Master’s degree in biological science or related science

Four years of experience performing bench level analysis

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.

Forensic Biology - Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics and two years of experience performing bench level analysis in forensic biology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and International Standards Organization standards…