Forensic Scientist Series I, II, III (Forensic Chemistry Unit), Grade 20, 22 25

Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze physical evidence using accepted techniques such as weighing protocols, macroscopic and microscopic examinations, color tests, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Interpret analytical data and issue laboratory reports
• Testify in court as an expert witness, clearly and confidently presenting scientific conclusions to support investigations and legal proceedings
• Maintain strict adherence to quality assurance standards and chain of custody procedures to ensure the integrity of all evidence
• Collaborate with a wide range of contacts, including laboratory staff, law enforcement officers, attorneys, external laboratories, scientific peers, accrediting bodies, and members of the community

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

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have the ability to:

• Pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the MCPD. (8 week process)
• Pass a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Forensic Scientist Series: This position will be filled within the range of Forensic Scientist I through Forensic Scientist III based on prior experience and training. Subsequent promotions within the series are non-competitive and are based on experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• If filled at Forensic Scientist I (Grade 20): This is an entry-level position as a Forensic Scientist trainee. The incumbent for this level is not expected to be a qualified scientist.
• If filled at Forensic Scientist II (Grade 22): Two (2) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of CDS.
• If filled at Forensic Scientist III (Grade 25): Four (4) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of CDS.

ALL LEVEL 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.

ALL LEVEL EQUIVALENCY

• An equivalent combination of scientific education and experience may be substituted.

Preferred Criteria for Forensic Scientist I:

• Experience working within the Forensic Sciences in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience using GC-MS and FT-IR instrumentation.

Preferred Criteria for Forensic Scientist II:

• Experience working as an authorized analyst in Seized Drugs within an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience as a qualified expert in the field of Seized Drug analysis in court.
• Experience using GC-MS and FT-IR instrumentation.
• Experience interpreting results of analysis and writing conclusive reports in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Preferred Criteria for Forensic Scientist III:

• Experience working as an authorized analyst in Seized Drugs within an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience as a qualified expert in the field of Seized Drug analysis in court.
• Experience using GC-MS and FT-IR instrumentation.
• Experience interpreting results of analysis and writing conclusive reports in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience assisting with project development and/or validation.

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