Forensic Scientist I or II

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (Toxicology Unit-Biological Section)

Position No.: 125-26914

Salary Range: $4,932/month.For salary and benefits estimates, click for

September 2, 2024

Status: Full-Time with State Benefit Package

Recruitment: Internal/External

Crime Laboratory Division, 2641 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND

Selecting Supervisor: Jennifer Penner, Director, Crime Laboratory

Summary of Work

A Forensic Scientist in the Toxicology Unit performs forensic examinations of blood and urine related to police investigations. Duties include: blood volatile analysis using headspace gas chromatography; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening of blood and urine for drugs of abuse; confirmations of drugs of abuse from blood and urine utilizing gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), sample preparation using solid phase extraction (SPE) and associated equipment, liquid/liquid extractions, pipetting and centrifuges; documentation of quality assurance and controls, maintenance logs, results entered into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required.

• Analyze and perform examinations on evidence to detect and quantify drugs, narcotics, poisons, or other controlled substances using chemical techniques.
• Perform housekeeping tasks including maintaining laboratory supplies and reference materials.
• Assist in the inventory, maintenance, storage and disposition of evidence.
• Enter data into databases and prepare reports on observed and recorded effects.
• Prepare evidence and exhibits; appear in court as an expert witness; maintain report files; issue periodic and special reports as assigned.
• Confer with supervisor to reference the appropriate test methodology based on the quantity and quality of the submitted sample.
• Learn and perform proper instrument maintenance and repair procedures.
• Learn and perform proper reagent and standard preparation and labeling.
• Regularly work with a variety of potentially hazardous materials (, HIV, hepatitis, and/or unknown pathogen contaminated body fluids evidence; unidentified chemicals on evidence, used syringes).
• Operate standard office equipment (, personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, adding machine, etc.).
• Perform job-related travel, as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes fully paid health insurance for employee and family, the option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family, participation in the state NDPERS defined contribution retirement plan as well as the option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan, the option to contribute to a medical spending account, as well as paid annual leave and sick leave.

Employees in this position are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Location of Work: The Crime Laboratory is located in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of/experience in the theoretic principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples. Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID).
• Must be able to analyze data, develop sound conclusions, maintain accurate records, and solve technical problems.
• Possesses skills necessary to be a successful Forensic Scientist.
• Ability, demonstrated in previous employment experience or described in personnel records, to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent prioritization, time management, and organization skills.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• A high level of integrity is required, as well as good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform forensic scientist tasks.

About Team ND

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