Here are sample job postings for Forensic Scientist roles:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To be responsible for performing standardized biological, toxicological and chemical evaluation of evidence related to sexual assaults, homicides, or controlled substances using modern methods and instrumentation; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is subject to review in process and upon completion for conformance to prescribed instructions and standard laboratory methods. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, may oversee, instruct, and review the work of subordinates assigned to assist.
Illustrative Examples of Work Performed
To be responsible for performing standardized biological, toxicological and chemical evaluation of evidence related to sexual-assaults, homicides, or controlled substances using modern methods and instrumentation; To prepare technical reports and provide expert testimony in court as required. To provide information and technical assistance to criminal justice agencies. To perform proficiency tests as a method of quality assurance and to perform minor repair and maintenance to laboratory equipment. To be responsible for ensuring and maintaining a secure chain-of-custody of evidence. To instruct police officers in the selection, collection and preservation, and safe handling of evidence to assure proper laboratory testing and examination. To participate in maintaining a quality assessment and improvement program. To perform quality control procedure and identify compliance with standards. To comply with all applicable governmental laws and regulations and institutional policies and procedures. To perform technical review of laboratory data. To attend meetings and seminars as required. To do related work as required.
Required Qualifications for Appointment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of chemistry, toxicology, serology and instrumental analyses as applied to forensic analysis; a thorough knowledge of the Rhode Island criminal justice system; the ability to maintain a secure chain-of-custody to evidence; the ability to appear in court and provide testimony as an expert witness as required; the ability to effectively interact with criminal justice agencies; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Bachelor's degree with specialization in Forensic Chemistry or a related science.
North Carolina Dept of Justice
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. This position is located in Wake county.
Learn more about the lab here: https://ncdoj.gov/crime-lab/
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.
This is a non-sworn Forensic Scientist located in the Forensic Biology Section of the State Crime Laboratory.
This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Meet a Forensic Scientist working in Forensic Biology: Day in the Life of a Forensic Biologist
The Forensic Scientist I will complete prescribed Forensic Biology training requirements before beginning casework.
The Forensic Scientist I is an entry level forensic scientist professional that analyzes forensic evidence in a crime laboratory setting. Employees examine and analyze evidence from simple to moderately complex casework for chemical indications of the presence of blood and/or other body fluids and/or perform a DNA typing test to determine the donor of a particular body fluid.
The employees make judgments, interpret results, and testify in court as necessary to explain and defend their findings. Employees operate with some technical independence in the forensic examination of various types of evidence.
Employees may assist journey or senior analysts in the more varied and moderately complex casework while continuing to learn the techniques, methods and practices involved in the examination of more complex cases.
Employees handle all evidence under stringent chain of custody rules, and are required to testify in state and federal courts. Public contact requirements are an important part of this position. The analyst must project a professional image in dealing with the public, law enforcement officers, and attorneys by telephone, written communications, and in person.
Employees may be required to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Due to Federal standards, each analyst that performs DNA analysis is required to have college course work or classes covering the subject areas of:
Genetics
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Statistics and/or population genetics
These requirements are in addition to having a bachelor's degree in the appropriate discipline listed under the Education and Experience requirements.
Selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes: credit and arrest checks; interviews with associates, personal and business references, past employers and neighbors; verification of education achievement, and urinalysis drug screening and polygraph.
The mission of the New York City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect the people, reduce fear, and maintain order. The NYPD strives to foster a safe and fair city by incorporating Neighborhood Policing into all facets of Department operations, and solve the problems that create crime and disorder through an interdependent relationship between the people and its police, and by pioneering strategic innovation.
The Police Laboratory is seeking qualified candidates for both Criminalist 1A and 1B positions.
Candidates selected will be assigned to the Police Laboratory within the Detective Bureau to receive training for and the performance of scientific laboratory analyses, and the testing of evidentiary material required in scientific criminal and civil investigations.
Duties may include, but not be limited to, the following: