Here are sample job postings for Forensic Scientist roles...
Providence, RI 02904
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
Raleigh, NC
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.
New York, NY 11433
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:
Huntington Beach, CA
DUTIES SUMMARY
Under general supervision, conducts investigations on crime scenes, deaths, serious traffic accidents, industrial accidents and other crimes; documents and gathers evidence; and performs other duties as required within the scope of the classification.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Crime Scene Investigator works under the supervision of the Investigations Division of the Police Department and is a non-sworn classification. It differs from the Community Services Officer in that the Crime Scene Investigator is a journey level classification expected to perform the full range of crime scene investigations, while the Community Services Officer performs preliminary investigations, of lesser complexity.
Note: This job description is currently being updated and is under review for final approval.
Examples of Essential Duties
The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent certificate. College level course work in crime scene investigation, photography, fingerprint identification, and/or criminalistics preferred.
Experience: Three (3) years’ experience in crime scene investigation.
License and Certification: Possession of a valid California driver license and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment.
Must pass an extensive background check.
Certificate of completion as a Forensic Technician, Crime Scene Investigator, or equivalent Field Evidence Technician course completion required.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Please Note: Our primary means of communication with applicants/candidates is sent via email; therefore, please include a valid email address on your application.
Supplemental Information
Must meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties performed.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors. When working outdoors, the incumbent may be exposed to heat, cold and the elements. There is frequent need to walk and stand. Work may necessitate exposure to environmental factors and incidents such as traffic accidents, odors, dust, noise, human or animal violence, disease, or machinery that may cause discomfort and risk of injury. May climb, stoop, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach above and below shoulder level. Indoor office work requires sitting at a desk or table for prolonged periods of time and use of a computer and screen. This job requires physical activity such as lifting moderate weights up to 25 pounds and climbing walls, ladders onto roofs, etc. Must be able to work any shift, including weekends and holidays. Must be able to report to a major crime scene at any time of the day.
Reasonable employee accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
COMMON DISQUALIFIERS - Civilian
Please review the following common disqualifiers. If any items listed pertain to you, you will be automatically disqualified in the background investigation. You may, at this time want to screen yourself and withdraw prior to starting the recruitment process.
Illegal use or possession of drugs
The following examples of illegal drug use or possession may be considered automatic disqualifiers for applicants, with some exceptions:
Motor Vehicle Operations
Arrests
Integrity
Tattoos
Body Art
Work Traits