01/28/2011 72062

FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1

DEFINITION: This is professional laboratory work in the chemical, physical and biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence.

An employee in this job performs independent casework of limited complexity in the chemical, physical and biological analysis and comparison of evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. Work is assigned in one or more of the State Police forensic laboratory’s discipline areas such as drug identification, serological examinations, blood alcohol analysis, and trace evidence analysis. Work is characterized by scientific analysis of casework that is limited in variety and scope. Work involves independently maintaining a detailed record of analysis and chain of custody, preparing analytical reports associated with evidence processed, providing expert testimony at court proceedings, and maintaining laboratory equipment and reagents. Work is differentiated from the Forensic Scientist 2 job by the absence of performing complex forensic casework. Work is assigned by a professional supervisor and reviewed by professional laboratory staff for quality, completeness, technical merit, and compliance with laboratory policies and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Applies physical, chemical, microscopic, chromatographic and instrumental techniques such as gas chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, energy dispersive Xray spectrometry and electron microscopy.

Examines, compares, identifies and evaluates physical evidence such as biological fluids, hair, fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, fire debris, drugs, alcoholic beverages, gunshot primer residue, explosives, and obliterated serial numbers.

Identifies alcohol and determines its concentration in blood or other evidence.

Identifies controlled drug substances and related chemical compounds.

Identifies biological fluids and assesses same for potential forensic DNA analysis.

Collects, preserves, and handles evidence and documents evidence chain of custody.

Prepares detailed case records of analysis and findings that are compliant with laboratory policies and the laws governing the admissibility of evidence in court.

Testifies in court proceedings by providing facts, conclusions, and opinions regarding processed evidence.

Travels to crime scenes to collect physical evidence and document observations.

Travels to and from courts of law.

Maintains and calibrates scientific instruments common to the assigned forensic discipline.

Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences and other training and development activities.

Reviews pertinent operational manuals, textbooks, journals, periodicals and other documents.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative biochemical and chemical analysis.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the analysis and comparison of chemical and biological substances and materials.

Knowledge of biochemical, chemical and physical laboratory equipment and materials.

Knowledge of the principles of physics.

Knowledge of the practices of physical testing.

Ability to perform complex calculations to make comparative assessments and yield final results.

Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports of analysis and findings.

Ability to read and interpret technical material.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Successful completion of the Forensic Scientist Trainee program;

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Successful completion of the Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee program;

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One year of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical or biological analysis and comparison of substances or materials and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.