Forensic Chemist II

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Receives and logs evidence from law enforcement officers in accordance with rules of chain-of-custody.
• Prepares correct reagents for analysis.
• Instructs investigators, forensic technicians, and police officers on the proper collection, preservation, and submission of physical evidence.
• Assists and advises the Office of the State's Attorney on the forensic aspects of case.
• Completes internally and externally prepared proficiency samples.
• Forms conclusions based on laboratory examinations, and prepares reports and/or charts based on these conclusions.
• Provides expert testimony in courts.
• Identifies and quantifies controlled dangerous substances, and identifies inhalants and volatiles.
• Performs complex analysis of controlled dangerous substances.
• Uses chromatography, wet chemistry and electrophoresis to separate drugs from their dilutents and excipients.
• Conducts quantitative analysis of cocaine and heroin excess of threshold amounts to assist in ongoing investigations.
• Uses gas chromatography with mass selective detection and/or fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for confirmatory analysis of controlled dangerous substances.
• Performs complex examinations of hairs, fibers, glass, paint, fire/explosive debris, and/or gunshot residue.
• Uses microscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, microspectrophotometry, capillary electrophoresis, and/or scanning electron microscope in the evaluation of physical evidence.
• Develops, implements, and conducts laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs.
• Reviews, monitors, and evaluates lab practices to ensure compliance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
• Schedules and coordinates program audits.
• Oversees and coordinates lab accreditation activities.
• Develops, implements, and conducts laboratory safety and health programs.
• Ensures lab compliance with MOSH, OSHA, and other pertinent regulations.
• Develops and implements safety education and training programs.
• Conducts periodic safety inspections.
• Maintains health and safety related records.
• Leads and instructs Forensic Chemist I's.
• May present lectures to students, citizens, and members of other judicial system branches on the role of forensics and expert witnesses in the criminal justice system. Cleans and maintains laboratory facilities and equipment. Performs other related duties as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a forensic science related field which included at least twenty-four semester hours in chemistry and/or biology.
Plus
• Two years' experience in the scientific evaluation of physical evidence.

Character Requirements

• All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation and test for drug use.

Licenses and Certificates

• Positions performing drug analysis require possession of a Maryland State Chemist Certification within one year of employment.

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