Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader
Charleston County Government, North Charleston, SC, US
Responsibilities
- Leads, manages, and maintains accountability for the technical operations of the Forensic Chemistry Unit.
- Manages personnel including caseload assignments, work priorities, performance evaluations, career development planning, and administrative expectations.
- Conducts technical and administrative reviews of cases to ensure compliance with established procedures and scientific conclusions.
- Develops and maintains unit-specific operating procedures, quality manuals, and training programs.
- Conducts annual review of all technical procedures and documentation.
- Serves as chief training officer for unit personnel, provides instruction on new methods, equipment and software systems.
- Provides expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, analytical methods, data interpretation and conclusions related to controlled substance identification and quantitation.
- Performs extensive research on new equipment, procedures, trends, and advances in the profession, including emerging drugs, novel psychoactive substances, and analytical techniques.
- Conducts measurement uncertainty estimations for quantitative analyses and ensures proper application of uncertainty calculations in casework.
- Identifies trends and new potential substances for awareness within the criminal justice community.
- Assists in developing section operating budget, monitoring section resources, equipment, supplies and instrument maintenance.
- Conducts comprehensive validation studies of equipment, methods, and software.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and the Public Safety Directorate.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related field required. Graduate degree preferred.
- A minimum of twelve (12) semester or equivalent credit hours of combined undergraduate and graduate course work in general, organic, and analytical chemistry (including instrumental analysis).
- A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accredited forensic science laboratory.
- Five (5) years of controlled substance analysis experience as a qualified analyst preferred.
- A minimum of one (1) year experience in a lead capacity overseeing quality activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.
- Knowledge of controlled substance classification and scheduling systems.
- Ability to acquire working knowledge of South Carolina controlled substance statutes and regulations.
- Experience with fire debris analysis and interpretation preferred.
- Training in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and completed internal/external assessor training preferred.
- Certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) preferred.
Compensation
- HIRING SALARY: $95,804 - $125,465
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
- Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
- Annual and Sick Leave Days
- 14 Recognized Holidays
How to apply
We invite qualified professionals to submit a cover letter and resume by visiting our website. This position will remain open until filled. However, review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. For additional information about Charleston County, please visit our website.