Forensic Science Communications

April 2002 — Volume 4 — Number 2

Employment Opportunities
	Toxicologist IV Director Of Laboratory Testing Director Of Laboratory Services Assistant Chief Field Agent Positive Certifying Scientist Assistant Toxicologist I DNA Technical Leader Forensic Scientist 1 Forensic Scientist 3 Forensic Laboratory Manager Crime Scene Technician Crime Scene Search Manager   Federal Bureau of Investigation The FBI Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. Current position vacancies are listed elsewhere on the FBI Web site, and you may apply for positions online. Other employment information, including pay scales, benefits, and conditions of employment, is also available online. U.S. citizenship is required. Click on the following links to Check out current technical, scientific, and engineering employment opportunities Check out the FBI's Honors Internship Program for college students Check out general FBI employment information for both Special Agent and support (non-agent) positions Check out career days at http://www.fbi.gov/employment/fairs.htm Toxicologist IV (Assistant Chief Toxicologist) — Salary: $72,032 The Office of the Cook County Medical Examiner Chicago, Illinois Minimum qualifications include the following: PhD in chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, biology, or related field Desired qualifications include the following: Analytical and toxicological laboratory experience Supervisory experience Responsibilities include the following: Supervising laboratory staff Reviewing toxicological analysis Performing bench work to analyze post-mortem specimens for alcohol, drugs, and poisons Operating gas chromatograph and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and other analytical instruments Performing other duties as required Contact: Nancy B. Wu Chen, PhD Chief Toxicologist Cook County Office of the Medical Examiner 2121 West Harrison Street Chicago, Illinois 60612 312-997-4490 (Voice) 312-997-4546 (Fax) Director of Laboratory Testing — Salary: Commensurate with experience National Medical Services. Inc. Qualifications include the following: Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science OR Chemical, physical, or biological science with five years laboratory related experience OR Master's degree with three years laboratory related experience OR PhD with two years laboratory related experience At least two years of laboratory management experience Computer literacy to include Microsoft Office and laboratory information systems Responsibilities include the following: Serving as an organizational leader Coordinating laboratory services with other managers Hiring, firing, training, career development, continuing education, performance reviews, recommending rewards, and disciplinary actions of department staff Scheduling all resources required for preparation of samples for testing to meet or exceed laboratory and industry requirements Preparing justification for additional resource acquisition to ensure uninterrupted service and continuous improvement of services Maintaining the laboratory in a state of acceptable inspection readiness Reviewing SOPs and methods Being responsible for all technical and logistical activities and improvements to systems and technology in the area of responsibility Contact: Marisa Buccini Director of Human Resources E-mail: marisa.buccini@nmslab.com Director of Laboratory Services — Salary: $60,489 - $92,442 The City of Oklahoma City Qualifications include the following: Master's degree in a natural science, criminalistics, or closely related field Five years experience in performing casework in one of the ASCLD/LAB disciplines Knowledge of and skill in applying management principles and techniques involved while managing the forensic laboratory Minimum of two years management experience is preferred Responsibilities include the following: Overseeing and administering all activities required to implement and maintain scientific quality in all procedures and operations of a forensic science laboratory and maintaining accreditation standards Application deadline: April 26, 2002 Contact: The City of Oklahoma City Personnel Department 420 West Main, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 Assistant Chief Field Agent — Salary: $37,128 - $44,556 The Office of the Medical Examiner of the Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences Dallas, Texas Qualifications include the following: Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in health sciences, physical sciences, or behavioral sciences or in a job-related field of study One year of additional experience in investigation or related experience as a field agent or medicolegal investigator Responsibilities include the following: Supervising and training death investigation staff who are responsible for providing investigative support for medical examiners conducting inquests Coordinating indigent burial activities for Dallas County Contact: Jeffrey J. Barnard, MD 5230 Medical Center Drive Dallas, Texas 75235 E-mail: jbarnard@dallascounty.org 214-920-5913 (Voice) 214-920-5811 (Fax) Positive Certifying Scientist — Salary: $34,000 - $42,000 Diagnostic Services Inc. Fort Myers, Florida Qualifications include the following: Current medical technologist license in clinical chemistry Current laboratory supervisor's license for the State of Florida Two to four years experience in forensic toxicology Responsibilities include the following: Reviewing, certifying, and reporting confirmed-positive employment-related drug screens Demonstrating expertise in all areas of forensic drug testing Assisting all toxicology sections as needed Contact: Karen Quick Human Resources Diagnostic Services Inc. Laboratories 12700 Westlinks Drive Fort Myers, Florida 33913 E-mail: karen.quick@ncbmd.org 941-561-8205 or 941-561-8219 (Voice) 941-561-8236 (Fax) Assistant Toxicologist I — Salary: $2,500.00 - $3,650.00 per month - based on 26 pay periods Medical Examiner's Office Harris County, Texas When applying, use the Announcement Number: 8219-P Minimum qualifications include the following: Bachelor's degree in science Experience working with GC - MS is required OR practicum or internship in a laboratory Desired qualifications include the following: Practical knowledge of operation and maintenance of GC and GC/MS and/or HPLC Professional knowledge of forensic science and of principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative organic chemistry Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures Skills in developing, adapting, and evaluating analytical methods to identify and quantitate a wide variety of unknown drugs and poisons Responsibilities include the following: Carrying out laboratory examinations and analyses of exhibits submitted by medical examiners and law enforcement agencies Serving as an expert witness representing technical report findings Following all protocols, Harris County Personnel Regulations Medical Examiner's policies, method manuals, safety, and QA/QC procedures Maintaining safe and orderly work areas Responding to proficiency testing as required Performing any other related duties as directed by the toxicologist and/or laboratory director Work involves regular and recurring exposure to toxic solvents, strong acids and alkalis, as well as noxious odors from decomposed tissues. Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, applicant is screened for the presence of alcohol and illegal drugs. Contact: Elena Siuma Quality Assurance Officer Harris County Medical Examiner Office 1885 Old Spanish Trail Houston, Texas 77054 713-796-6812 (Voice) 713-796-6838 (Fax) DNA Technical Leader — Salary: Commensurate with experience Crime Laboratory, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Charlotte, North Carolina Qualifications include the following: MS degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science with a minimum of 12 semester hours in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and statistics, and/or population genetics At least three years experience in a forensic DNA laboratory Experience with CODIS Responsibilities include the following: Overseeing the technical aspects of the DNA laboratory Maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting problems with instrumentation Reviewing the work of others for technical correctness and completeness Maintaining safety and quality control in the laboratory in accordance with ASCLD and DAB requirements Examining evidence to locate and identify body fluids Performing STR analysis using the ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer Reporting results of analyses and testifying in court as an expert witness Training others in various aspects of DNA analysis Contact: Jane Burton Chief Criminalist Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Crime Laboratory 601 East Trade Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 E-mail: jburton@cmpd.org 704-353-1101 (Voice) 704-353-0088 (Fax) Forensic Scientist 1 — Salary: $31,740 - $40,512 The Washington State Patrol Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau Seattle laboratory (Microanalysis and Chemistry sections) Kennewick laboratory (Chemistry) Marysville laboratory (Chemistry) Qualifications include the following: Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related natural science, including 30 quarter or 20 semester hours of chemistry coursework and 8 quarter or 5 semester hours of physics coursework Responsibilities include the following: Analyzing evidence from routine criminal casework Preparing written reports Testifying in court as an expert witness Contact: George Johnston 621 Woodland Square Loop PO Box 42632 Olympia, Washington 98504-2632 E-mail: gjohnst@wsp.wa.gov 360-438-5852 (Voice) 360-407-0175 (Fax) Forensic Scientist 3 — Salary: $46,992 - $60,180 The Washington State Patrol Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau Spokane laboratory (DNA/Biochemistry) Marysville laboratory (Chemistry) Qualifications include the following: Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related natural science in an appropriate field, which may include microanalysis, chemistry, firearms, DNA/Biochemistry, toxicology, or questioned documents Two years experience as a Forensic Scientist 2 or three years of technical experience in a forensic science laboratory performing analyses of physical evidence Experience testifying as an expert witness in courts of law Genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry coursework are required for the Spokane laboratory Biology/DNA Section Responsibilities include the following: Analyzing evidence from routine criminal casework Preparing written reports Testifying in court as an expert witness Contact: George Johnston 621 Woodland Square Loop PO Box 42632 Olympia, Washington 98504-2632 E-mail: gjohnst@wsp.wa.gov 360-438-5852 (Voice) 360-407-0175 (Fax) Forensic Laboratory Manager — Salary: $57,708 - $70,332 Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division Spokane, Washington This is a Washington Management Service, Band III position. There is one position available in the Spokane Crime Laboratory. Qualifications include the following: Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related natural science Two years experience as a Forensic Scientist 4 or eight years of full-time experience in a forensic science laboratory performing analyses of physical evidence Experience testifying as an expert in courts of law Three years of supervisory experience Responsibilities include the following: Managing and supervising the operation of the Spokane crime laboratory and a limited service laboratory in Kennewick Ensuring the security of facilities, personnel, and evidence Representing the Spokane laboratory at management, user group, and legislative staff meetings Developing and implementing local laboratory policy Developing laboratory budget and assisting with system-wide budget development Participating in strategic planning for the division and bureau Contact: George Johnston 621 Woodland Square Loop PO Box 42632 Olympia, Washington 98504-2632 E-mail: gjohnst@wsp.wa.gov 360-438-5852 (Voice) 360-407-0175 (Fax) Crime Scene Technician — Salary: $28,386 - $43,289 Grand Prairie Police Department Grand Prairie, Texas Qualifications include the following: Associate's degree from an accredited college or equivalent to two years of college with major course work in forensic science, biological science, chemistry, physics, or a related field Two years of related experience, preferably in the municipal police operations area Any equivalent combination of education and experience, with additional work experience substituting for the required education on a year-to-year basis Applicants must be able to pass drug screen, polygraph, psychological, and background investigation. Applicants must possess a valid Texas Driver's license. Contact: Human Resources Department 318 West Main Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 Web site: www.gptx.org 972-237-8190 (Jobline) 972-237-8192 (Voice) 972-237-8286 (Fax) Crime Scene Search Manager — Salary: Commensurate with Experience Crime Laboratory, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department iCharlotte, North Carolina This is a full-time managerial and supervisory position for a 24-hour crime scene search field operation and 8-hour forensic photography unit in a city/county crime laboratory. Qualifications include the following: Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, a physical science (chemistry, biology, physics, etc.) or equivalent combination of experience in course work At least two years experience in crime scene search work Knowledge of general laws, policies, rules, and regulations involved in law enforcement Strong personnel supervisory and management experience pertaining to law enforcement missions Thorough knowledge of detection, collection, and preservation of scientific evidence as well as the forensic requirements for the proper collection of analytical evidence, and knowledge of photographic preservation of the scene Ability to supervise and train crime scene search technicians to efficiently process and collect appropriate evidential materials Ability to supervise and direct 23 crime-scene search technicians, including five shift supervisors, to maintain a high quality work product Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the use of Access for statistical entries and monthly reporting Responsibilities include the following: Overseeing the recruiting, interviewing, and selecting of qualified personnel Occasionally responding to the scene of major incidents to coordinate the activities of the Crime Scene Search Section while monitoring for quality assurance Compiling, preparing, and coordinating preparation of the section's budget requests; monitoring the implementation of the budget; verifying charges; reviewing and approving the requisition of section equipment and supplies Coordinating and acting as a liaison between the Crime Scene Search Section and other sections of the Crime Laboratory department or other criminal justice agencies Developing, maintaining, and updating work product specifications for the section, including work quality standards, standard operating procedures, and other relevant methods, procedures and documents Analyzing Crime Scene Search Section methods, operations, and activities, and developing new methods and/or procedures as needed Identifying operational or policy problems and procedures; collecting, analyzing, and preparing staff recommendations including solutions and methods of implementation Preparing and maintaining accurate reports and documentation of the "Crime Scene Search Section" activities Contact: Roger C. Thompson Crime Laboratory Director Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Crime Laboratory 601 East Trade Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-2940 E-mail: rthompson@cmpd.org 704-353-1100 (Voice) 704-353-0088 (Fax) Top of the page

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