Responsibilities

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform forensic chemical analyses of suspected controlled substances in the Central Regional Laboratory located in Mechanicsville, VA. The successful candidate will use current state-of-the-art methodologies and instrumentation to analyze controlled substances, prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use by the criminal justice system, testify in court as an expert witness to the results of laboratory findings and perform other duties assigned. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required.

To be considered as a qualified Forensic Scientist, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in forensic drug analysis. Candidates who are considered qualified Forensic Scientists will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in forensic drug analysis
Work experience in forensic drug analysis
Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze controlled substances (e.g., color tests, TLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR)
Ability to work independently, set priorities, maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
Possess good oral and written communication skills
Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations:

Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training

Trainee: If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $50,531. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the Controlled Substances training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training may last up to 12 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications. In addition, the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

A successful Forensic Scientist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical and deductive reasoning, problem solving, and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry
Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
Possess good oral and written communication skills
Valid driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:

Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment, techniques, laboratory safety, and QA/QC procedures
Experience in a Controlled Substances laboratory environment

Compensation

All benefits located through the following link: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

How to apply

Apply using the following link: http://jobs.virginia.gov/cw/en-us/job/5102477?lApplicationSubSourceID=

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