FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1
DEFINITION:
Under the limited supervision of a Forensic Scientist 3 in the Department of Law and Public Safety or in the Department of Health, conducts the chemical analysis of various materials and evidence submitted to the laboratory by law enforcement agencies and Medical Examiners Offices for identification in connection with criminal investigations and prosecutions; performs related field and laboratory work; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Receives, analyzes, and identifies the origin and nature of the substances and materials sent to the laboratory by chemical, physical, and microchemical means.
Performs testing procedures with specialized chemicals, reagents, biochemicals, other liquids and substances to complete the various testing stages on DNA matter and physical evidence, and the related work involved in the laboratory and in the field (crime scenes), in accordance with standardized laboratory protocol and in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Ensures that all cases are processed to include complete chemical, physical, biological, toxicological, and serological analyses on submitted specimens, and finishes each case with a comprehensive report including all determined facts and conclusions as per laboratory protocols.
May perform technical reviews when authorized by the Office of Forensic Sciences Administration to meet operational needs.
Utilizes computer skills to test, modify, and maintain sophisticated analytical equipment necessary for quantitative and qualitative analyses, and to generate reports, log forms, research papers, manage files, operate instruments, maintain records of analyses, and facilitate intra-lab communications.
Operates a DNA Genetic Analyzer and workstation, Fourier Transform infrared detector and diode array ultraviolet spectrophotometer, x-ray diffraction unit, gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, high pressure liquid chromatograph, and other scientific instrumentation in the laboratory, and interprets resulting data.
Screens evidence for biological fluids and stains and collects samples for further analyses.
Conducts analyses on blood and body fluids for DNA profiles/typing.
Conducts monthly performance checks of instrument or reagent functionality.
Maintains the integrity of court evidence; keeps evidence in an appropriate environment and maintains a running log on all stages of analysis to prevent loss, tampering, theft, or biological or chemical degradation.
Identifies and analyzes body fluid and tissues; analyzes DNA specimens to determine the unequivocal source of the contributor's blood, semen, hair roots, teeth, and bones.
Identifies trace evidence such as paint or fibers through visual, chemical, and microscopic examination, appropriate tests, and instrumentation procedures.
Examines and classifies potentially explosive and flammable materials and chemicals.
Analyzes evidence for controlled dangerous substances by weighing evidence, microscopic examination for botanical identification, color tests through application of appropriate reagents, crystal test, and extracting drugs for further testing.
Conducts scientific analysis and mathematical calculations on questioned samples of alcoholic beverages, or related alcoholic-based fluids to determine the origin and/or related components.
Provides expertise to agencies at crime scenes, regarding the collection and preservation of evidence.
Stays current in topics in Forensic Science through webinars, available on-site training, literature search, workshops, participation in professional associations, and by attending discipline specific meetings.
Liaisons with other professionals to contribute and obtain information necessary to identify trends affecting controlled substances and potential controlled substances; keeps informed of new analytical methods of clandestine and legitimate drug manufacturing.
Conducts physical tests, measurements, photographs, distance apperception, and comparison of impression evidence; reproduces these in legible pictures or drawings for the use of the submitting agency; handles all physical evidence for cases processed.
Ensures the laboratory instruments, equipment, and glassware are in a constant state of cleanliness, good order, and repair.
Performs routine inventories and prepares orders to maintain supplies for routine and new methods of analysis.
Testifies as an expert witness regarding the results of chemical, microchemical, instrumental, and other laboratory examinations and analyses.
Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of chemical, microchemical, instrumental, and other laboratory examinations and analyses containing findings, results and conclusions; prepares detailed information and reports in a form usable for presentation in court by law enforcement agencies. Maintains proper fuel and oil in assigned state transportation and reports any problems.
Maintains essential records and files to provide extensive records of operation for quality control purposes.
Participates in the quality assurance and quality control programs by completing personal and laboratory proficiency tests as assigned, participating in sectional audits, preparing validation procedures on new instrumentation, maintaining detailed logbooks for standards and calibrations, and witnessing the analyses of colleagues.
Assists in monitoring the workplace environment for hazardous and toxic conditions and the awareness of acceptable limits of exposure or when exposure or conditions are deemed to be hazardous.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Bio-Chemistry. Degrees in related areas of biological or chemical science that contain a minimum of twenty-four (24) science semester hour credits in any combination of Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Bio-Chemistry are considered acceptable in meeting the education requirement.
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience in conducting various types of chemical testing, retesting, analytical examination and analyses of bio-hazardous, organic and inorganic compounds, and other matter conducted in a modern scientific, pharmaceutical, medical, forensic chemistry, or DNA testing laboratory.
NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required Master's degree, but who possess a Bachelor's degree in one of the four areas of science listed above, or possess a Bachelor's degree that includes a minimum of twenty-four (24) science semester hour credits in any combination of Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Bio-Chemistry, may substitute one (1) year of additional experience as indicated.
NOTE: Appointees will be required to possess various certifications to perform Forensic DNA testing and analysis, issued by the standards established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and DNA Databasing Laboratories, and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for specifications and accreditation for various scientific sub-disciplines relevant to such testing procedures, practices, and analysis to be considered as admissible in courts of law and other formal proceedings.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the principles, techniques, equipment, and functions of forensic chemistry and their application to specific situations.
Knowledge of the factors affecting interpretation of scientific data including condition of evidence, environment of crime scene, sample substrate, and interfering substances.
Knowledge of principles involved in the manufacture of goods and materials for each type of evidence.
Knowledge of the chemical laboratory standards, protocols, procedures, techniques, equipment, media, reagents, and supplies used to conduct chemical and related microscopic tests, assays, examinations, and analyses.
Knowledge of computer applications associated with instrumentation and statistical analysis, and review standards.
Knowledge of toxic chemicals, dangerous biological diseases, and other environmental hazards encountered in evidence handling and the use of reagents and of the appropriate health and safety precautions.
Knowledge of the form and content of laboratory reports of tests, examinations, and analyses.
Knowledge of a lab-wide chemical hygiene plan.
Knowledge of laboratory health and safety, and hazardous material control measures.
Knowledge of a Bloodborne Pathogen Plan.
Knowledge of the control measures used to determine risk assessments and risk reductions.
Knowledge of the methods used to handle, store, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials, and the usage of personal protective equipment and engineering controls.
Knowledge of emergency laboratory response procedures to determine first responder criteria, determination of hazardous material classes, hazardous materials responders, levels of responder requirements, first aid measures, and firefighting procedures.
Knowledge of record keeping requirements and procedures for notification of interested parties.
Ability to operate the ultraviolet spectrophotometer, x- ray diffraction unit, a DNA Genetic Analyzer and workstation, Fourier Transform infrared detector, Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization LC/MS, Pyrolysis Head space sampler for GC/MS, scanning electron microscope, gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, data work stations, and other scientific equipment in the laboratory in the analysis of varied types of materials.
Ability to use digital photographic equipment to photograph evidence to be used in a court of law.
Ability to organize assigned chemical and related laboratory work, analyze problems in the field of forensic chemistry, and develop effective work methods.
Ability to follow standard and prescribed procedures when conducting specific tests, examinations, and analyses, in compliance with state and federal regulations and court stipulated guidelines.
Ability to use laboratory equipment and reagents in a manner that avoids unnecessary breakage and waste, and to obtain accurate, reliable results.
Ability to determine the origin and nature of unknown materials and substances by conducting chemical, physical, and microchemical tests and analyses.
Ability to conduct the tests and analyses required to identify alkaloids, narcotics, and other drugs, and to conduct tests on toxicological specimens to determine the ingestion of poisonous dosages and/or lethal volumes.
Ability to conduct physical tests and measurements, take photographs, make distance analyses, and compare impact molds with tool marks.
Ability to prepare legible drawings for use in official proceedings.
Ability to keep current with literature, scientific developments, and trends of thought in the field of forensic chemistry.
Ability to identify and remediate mechanical, environmental, and electrical hazards.
Ability to conduct independent research into forensic matters and to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to prepare detailed information and reports in usable form for presentation in court by police agencies.
Ability to act as an expert witness in court proceedings and give testimony concerning the results of laboratory examinations and analyses in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to maintain a chain of custody records providing a comprehensive documented history of evidence review, transfer, and storage.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of chemical, instrumental, microchemical, and other laboratory examinations and analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations
Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
Ability to understand and interpret the actual components of the instrument to ensure its optimal performance, and specialized software applications and programs unique to its operation for laboratory usage.
Ability to set-up, operate, and troubleshoot new scientific instruments and equipment. Ability to use statistics to validate instruments and methodologies, and to explain the significance of statistical results.
Ability to keep current with laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting methods, specimen security, chain of custody, record keeping, court testimony, and employee safety.
Ability to choose a suitable analytical technique for non-routine samples, and in some cases, to refer the submitting agency to appropriate laboratories when their requests are beyond the scope of the facility.
Ability to evaluate courtroom testimony, presentation and scientific accuracy; ability to serve as an expert rebuttal witness, when necessary.
Ability to successfully complete proficiency and/or competency tests in the assigned discipline.
Ability to recognize the health risks and hazards from exposure to bio-hazards, organic and inorganic compounds, usage of agents and reagents, and other chemical and toxic matter.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to maintain computer and analytical skills necessary for a specified discipline.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
