Forensic Scientist I
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1527, Green Street, Caraleigh, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, 27603, United States
About the Agency
The North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General, represents the state and defends the rights of its people. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal matters. It encompasses the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and various divisions dedicated to criminal justice education and training.
About the Role
The primary purpose of the State Crime Laboratory is to accept, preserve, and provide scientific forensic analysis of evidence for the criminal justice community. As a Forensic Scientist I, you will perform entry-level Forensic Biology casework, conducting an equitable share of analyses for the Section. Your work involves examining evidence for the presence of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and saliva, followed by DNA testing to identify donors from biological samples like hairs, epithelial cells, bone, and organs.
You will be responsible for analyzing evidence from sexual assaults and property crimes, excluding death investigations initially. As you gain experience and complete your first court testimony, you may be tasked with working homicides and other complex cases. The role requires performing serology testing using visual and chemical methods, including presumptive and confirmatory tests, while maintaining a limited degree of technical independence.
To ensure the integrity of forensic science, you must stay current with the latest trends and technologies. This involves reviewing scientific literature, attending conferences, and completing at least 8.0 hours of continuing education annually as required by federal guidelines, alongside mandatory proficiency testing.
Hiring Process
Selected candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which may take several months. This process includes a polygraph, credit and arrest checks, interviews with personal and professional references, education verification, fingerprinting, and a urinalysis drug screening. Out-of-state applicants should be prepared to return to North Carolina multiple times at their own expense after the initial interview to complete this investigation.
Equal Opportunity
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer dedicated to providing a work environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities, known limitations related to pregnancy or childbirth, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Work location
Work model: On-site
1527, Green Street, Caraleigh, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, 27603, United States
Raleigh, North Carolina
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleComplete required continuing education hours and annual proficiency testing
- check_circlePerform entry-level Forensic Biology casework including examination of evidence for bodily fluids
- check_circleProvide expert witness testimony in court regarding forensic analysis results
- check_circleAnalyze evidence from sexual assault and property crime cases
- check_circleConduct DNA testing to determine the donor of biological evidence such as hairs, cells, and bone
- check_circleExecute serology testing using visual and chemical methods with presumptive and confirmatory tests
- check_circleStay current in Forensic Biology by reviewing scientific literature and attending conferences
- check_circlePrepare written reports detailing the results of forensic analyses
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum
- verifiedMaster's degree in biological science or related science OR 2 years laboratory experience
- verifiedIndividual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within 18 months
- verifiedSuccessful completion of comprehensive background investigation including polygraph, credit/arrest checks, reference interviews, education verification, fingerprinting, and urinalysis drug screening
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Forensic Biology, Dna Testing, Serology Testing, Polygraph, Forensic Science.
Education: Master's degree in biological science or related science; Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or related field.
Frequently asked questions about Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice
What does a Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice do?expand_more
In this Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice role, you will complete required continuing education hours and annual proficiency testing; perform entry-level forensic biology casework including examination of evidence for bodily fluids; provide expert witness testimony in court regarding forensic analysis results; and analyze evidence from sexual assault and property crime cases.
What are the requirements for this Forensic Scientist I role?expand_more
To qualify for the Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum; Master's degree in biological science or related science OR 2 years laboratory experience; Individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within 18 months; and Successful completion of comprehensive background investigation including polygraph, credit/arrest checks, reference interviews, education verification, fingerprinting, and urinalysis drug screening.
Where is the Forensic Scientist I role at U.S. Department of Justice located?expand_more
Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice is based in 1527, Green Street, Caraleigh, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, 27603, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Forensic Scientist I job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
U.S. Department of Justice has listed this Forensic Scientist I role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Forensic Scientist I role?expand_more
Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience at the entry level level.
What skills do you need for the Forensic Scientist I role at U.S. Department of Justice?expand_more
Key skills for Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice include Forensic Biology; Dna Testing; Serology Testing; Polygraph; and Forensic Science.
What education is required for Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree in biological science or related science; and Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or related field.
What category does the Forensic Scientist I role belong to?expand_more
Forensic Scientist I at U.S. Department of Justice is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.