What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Scientist I, Forensic Biology, Continuous posting position at State of North Carolina?
This is a continuous posting for positions in the Forensic Biology section of the State Crime Lab. The posting does not have a closing date, and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
This posting is for positions located at the Raleigh and Edneyville locations.
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 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.
- Out of state applicants: This may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense after the initial interview, in order to undergo the background investigation process.
- In accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. Sec. 126-1.1( c), effective July 11, 2016, employees who are hired by a State agency, department or university in a sworn law enforcement position or forensic scientist position and who are required to complete a formal training program prior to assuming law enforcement or forensic scientist duties with the hiring agency, department or university shall become career State employees only after being employed by the agency, department or university for 24 continuous months .
- Employees who transfer into forensic scientist positions from other positions within N.C. State government and are currently Career State employees will be required to complete a probationary period of 24 additional months.
- In accordance with Section 17.5 of Senate Bill 402, The Department of Justice shall not hire sworn personnel to fill vacant positions in the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the termination of sworn personnel, but as vacant positions in the State Laboratory are filled, they shall be filled only with non sworn personnel. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect North Carolina State Crime Laboratory personnel who are sworn and employed by the Laboratory as of the effective date of this section and who continue to meet the sworn status retention standards mandated by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Standards Commission.
- **Transcripts are required at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency to be provided at the time of application.**
Note to Current State Employees:
The salary grade for this position is NC14. State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. Please detail ALL work history including non-state service experience. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY or MAY NOT result.
The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits. 1. Employees must have a working knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources, and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence.
2. Employees must have a working knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering.
3. Employees must have a working knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
4. Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
5. Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
6. Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying, or explaining procedures to others.
7. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
8. Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, animal science, zoology, medical technology, forensic science with biology/DNA concentration, or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution including coursework in biochemistry, genetic, molecular biology, statistics and population genetics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Necessary Special Requirement Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.
Management preference: 2 years of related experience.
The NC Department of Justice accomplishes our goals through our DOJ Organizational Values of Public Service, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Diversity, and Innovation. We encourage all qualified candidates who are committed to these values and want to make a difference in the lives of our citizens to apply for this opportunity.
Please be sure to complete the application in full.
Note the following: If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date
Resumes and cover letters: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer.
Using the terms "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will not be accepted and your application will be rejected as incomplete. Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.
Transcripts: Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. A copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received can be uploaded with your application.
If a transcript has been requested, your application will be considered incomplete if you do not provide one. Using a photograph of your diploma is not acceptable.
Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application. Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.
Any licenses or certificates must be included in the appropriate section of the application form.
Veterans Preference: Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 or discharge orders.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if you are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If you are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, you must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.
Application status: To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks. All applicants will be notified by email once a position is filled.
NeoGov Help Line: If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the NC DOJ Human Resources office.
The NC Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The NC Department of Justice uses Merit-Based Recruitment to select from among the most qualified applicants to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Department of Justice
Human Resources
919-716-6490
humanresources@ncdoj.gov
Salary : $49,158 - $86,026
