Career Description
A Forensic Scientist in the Toxicology Unit performs forensic examinations of blood and urine related to police investigations. Duties include: blood volatile analysis using headspace gas chromatography; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening of blood and urine for drugs of abuse; confirmations of drugs of abuse from blood and urine utilizing gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), sample preparation using solid phase extraction (SPE) and associated equipment, liquid/liquid extractions, pipetting and centrifuges; documentation of quality assurance and controls, maintenance logs, results entered into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required.Analyze and perform examinations on evidence to detect and quantify drugs, narcotics, poisons, or other controlled substances using chemical techniques.Perform housekeeping tasks including maintaining laboratory supplies and reference materials.Assist in the inventory, maintenance, storage and disposition of evidence.Enter data into databases and prepare reports on observed and recorded effects.Prepare evidence and exhibits; appear in court as an expert witness; maintain report files; issue periodic and special reports as assigned.Confer with supervisor to reference the appropriate test methodology based on the quantity and quality of the submitted sample.Learn and perform proper instrument maintenance and repair procedures.Learn and perform proper reagent and standard preparation and labeling.Regularly work with a variety of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, and/or unknown pathogen contaminated body fluids evidence; unidentified chemicals on evidence, used syringes).Operate standard office equipment (i.e., personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, adding machine, etc.).Perform job-related travel, as needed Perform other related duties as assigned.This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes fully paid health insurance for employee and family, the option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family, participation in the state NDPERS defined contribution retirement plan as well as the option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan, the option to contribute to a medical spending account, as well as paid annual leave and sick leave.Employees in this position are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.Location of Work: The Crime Laboratory is located in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science/Chemistry, Toxicology, or a closely related natural science from an accredited four-year college or university. MUST have minimum documented coursework of 1 year of General Chemistry, 1 year of Organic Chemistry, and either Instrumental Analysis or be able to demonstrate proficiency with modern analytical chemistry instrumentation. Survey or introductory coursework intended for non-chemistry majors will not satisfy the above requirements. Both overall academic record and applicable job experience will be factors for consideration; however, prior job experience will not replace the minimum academic requirement.Knowledge of/experience in the theoretic principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples. Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID).Must be able to analyze data, develop sound conclusions, maintain accurate records, and solve technical problems.Possesses skills necessary to be a successful Forensic Scientist.Ability, demonstrated in previous employment experience or described in personnel records, to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.Excellent prioritization, time management, and organization skills.Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.A high level of integrity is required, as well as good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform forensic scientist tasks.
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore RooseveltMore than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.
125 Application Procedures
Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and a background and criminal investigation. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The Office of Attorney General does not provide sponsorships.Application package must be received by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed on the opening.TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT: www.nd.gov/careersDocuments to be submitted:ResumeCover letter with a summary that clearly explains how the applicant's work experience is related to the and minimum/preferred qualifications3 Professional ReferencesCollege Transcripts (copies or unofficial versions are acceptable for the initial application process but when the top candidate is given a conditional employment offer, they are required to present official transcripts)The North Dakota Office of Attorney General prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application and interview process to include responses to questions in which you must provide a narrative and/or verbal response. You must create your own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. While the North Dakota Office of Attorney General encourages you to create your narratives and interview responses with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, you are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT. Any information you provide during the application and interview process is subject to verification. The North Dakota Office of Attorney General will discontinue your candidacy if we find you have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application and interview process. Anyone needing assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process please contact Ashley, Office of Attorney General: E-mail: aeisenbeis@nd.gov; phone: (701) 328-1256 or TTY: 1-800-366-6888.Learn more about Office of Attorney General at: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/Learn more about Employment Benefits at: https://www.nd.gov/omb/public/careers/team-nd-benefitsVisit North Dakota State government: http://www.nd.govTo learn more about living in North Dakota, visit https://findthegoodlife.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.
