Senior Forensic Scientist (Forensic Chemistry Unit), Grade 26

Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical operations of the Forensic Chemistry Unit, including reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, validating new methods and equipment, and resolving technical issues
• Conduct technical and administrative reviews of case files and laboratory reports to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with laboratory policies and procedures and accreditation standards
• Lead and maintain quality assurance and accreditation activities, including internal audits, annual reviews of the quality system, and procedural compliance
• Coordinate and administer unit training, competency testing, and proficiency testing
• Work collaboratively on technical and quality-related matters with the FCU Supervisor, Quality Manager, and Deputy Laboratory Director
• Perform analysis of evidence for the presence of controlled dangerous substances using chemical, microscopic, and instrumental methods; interpret analytical data and issue laboratory reports
• Provide expert testimony in court regarding the analysis of controlled dangerous substances

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Experience:

• Five (5) years of professional experience working in an accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences, with a particular area of forensic expertise in the Seized Drug analysis discipline.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science, and have completed courses in analytical and organic chemistry.
• Applicants must be eligible for verification by the Maryland Department of Health, meeting requirements described in COMAR 10.10.09 and 10.51.06.12.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

• 1. EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Additional education in a natural, physical, or forensic science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• 2. EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional professional experience working in an accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences, with a particular area of forensic expertise in the Seized Drug analysis discipline will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences

• 1. Demonstrated proficiency in Seized Drug analysis within an accredited Crime Laboratory for at least five (5) years.
• 2. Experience delivering expert witness testimony in court and collaborating with legal professionals.
• 3. Experience with quality assurance programs and laboratory accreditation processes, including achieving and maintaining compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB, and COMAR.
• 4. Experience developing and revising laboratory procedures and protocols and implementing quality control measures.
• 5. Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• 6. Experience with method development and validation studies, including implementation of new techniques or equipment.

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