Forensic Scientist I
Description of Work Not sure you meet all listed requirements? Let our team take a look. Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.THE STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS LIMITED TO $55,000 – $65,241. Salary offers for the selected candidate are based on the candidate’s education and experience related to the position, as well as our agency budget and equity.The Forensic Scientist I will complete prescribed Forensic Biology training requirements before beginning casework.Casework involves the examination of evidence for the presence of bodily fluids (e.g. blood, semen, and saliva). Serology testing will be performed using a combination of visual and chemical testing of a wide range of different evidence types. The analyst will then perform DNA testing to determine the donor of that particular body fluid or other biological evidence (hairs, epithelial cells, bone, organs, muscle etc.) submitted. This position is responsible for the analysis of evidence from all case types excluding death investigations.This position will conduct the maintenance and performance checks on the section’s instruments and critical reagents as required by procedures, and when needed to ensure that they perform as expected. Troubleshoot issues that affect the performance of the section’s instruments and critical reagents.This position is responsible for the review of their peer’s 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.Some travel, including some 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.Note to Current State Employees:The salary grade for this position is NC14. State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. Please detail ALL work history including non-state service experience. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY or MAY NOT result.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 .Section Information:The 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 Biology 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 serology and DNA analysis.Department Information: The , 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 , the , and the and .Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / CompetenciesManagement Preferences:Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.Minimum Education and Experience Requirements 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, genetic, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics.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.Supplemental and Contact InformationNote the following: If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.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.Transcripts: Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. A copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received can be uploaded with your application. If a transcript has been requested, your application will be considered incomplete if you do not provide one. Using a photograph of your diploma is not acceptable.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.Any licenses or certificates must be included in the appropriate section of the application form.Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 or discharge orders.Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if you are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If you are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, you must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.Application status: To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are “Under Review” and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks. All applicants will be notified by email once a position is filled.If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the NC DOJ Human Resources office.The NC Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The NC Department of Justice uses Merit-Based Recruitment to select from among the most qualified applicants to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act.CONTACT INFORMATION: NC Department of Justice
Human ResourcesNOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types. For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.
State of North Carolina