Forensic Scientist Assistant Supervisor - Drug Chemistry

Overview

***This position is currently only accepting internal applications at this time***

Position is primarily responsible for providing scientific analysis of criminal evidence to include expert court testimony; assists in developing and implementing scientific programs and training requirements; confers with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate work activities. Compiles statistical data and ensures that total work product meets all appropriate scientific and legal requirements. Position is responsible for assisting the Forensic Scientist Supervisor in daily operations and/or functioning of the unit in their absence. Position includes evaluating and supervising their designated section/unit’s employees and may include input in performance evaluations and disciplinary actions. Under minimum supervision, may provide overall direction, management, and supervision to their assigned element of the Forensic Services Laboratory. In the absence of the Forensic Scientist Supervisor, provides work direction, training, and supervision to team members. Work is conducted in a forensic laboratory setting or in the field, or at the morgue. General chemical hygiene and the safe handling of biologically hazardous evidence is required to perform the responsibilities, this position must be able to work in conditions that include hazardous materials, e.g., blood, bodily fluids, etc. This position must meet all safety and hazardous communication training related to these environments. Position reports to the Forensic Scientist Supervisor.

Agency Summary
The purpose and mission of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is to serve the Marion County Community and supports the needs of the Criminal Justice System by providing services in Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Document Examinations, Latent Print Processing and Examination, Blood Alcohol Analysis, Fire Debris Analysis, Seized Drugs Analysis, Firearms Examinations and NIBIN, DNA and Serology Analysis and Forensic Evidence Technician (Morgue Liaison) services. The agency cultivates a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for performing a wide variety of fully skilled professional scientific analysis on criminal evidence to include the examination, identification, and evaluation of physical evidence
• Position is responsible for assisting the Forensic Scientist Supervisor in daily operations and/or functioning of the unit in their absence
• Prepares formal technical written reports on the results of examinations, statistical analysis, and research projects
• Ensures that appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are employed throughout their section of the laboratory
• Serves as an expert and is responsible for providing technical consultation, advice to scientific personnel, conducting tours or briefs, training and provides expert testimony in court
• Participates in improvement measures for laboratory analysis with the supervisor to develop technical guidance for analyses within the laboratory section to include quality assurance and quality control
• Implements newly developed forensic technologies, testing methodologies, programs, procedures, databases, etc.
• Evaluates and reviews statistical data to ensure compliance with appropriate scientific, legal and government regulations
• Recommends modification of current practices and requirements for operation of the section
• Demonstrates proficiency in the techniques, instrumentation, and technology taught via various examinations in specialty areas and provides input to Forensic Scientist Supervisor for the section’s operational and training planning process
• Serves as liaison between Director, IMCFSA and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and personnel IPD, MCSD, MCPO, MCCO, FBI, ATF, DEA, courts, etc. to ensure scientific and administrative support is provided
• Conducts training for local agencies to include basic evidence technical courses and specialized forensic applications courses
• Attend seminars, meetings, and conferences to incorporate new developments into laboratory case work
• Presents results of laboratory research at conferences and/or publish the results in scientific journals
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or a related science course, with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a Forensic Scientist. Discipline-specific course requirements may apply, as defined by the laboratory. Incumbent shall maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing. Incumbent must be willing and capable of completing an internal/external training program determined by the Forensic Evidence Technician Supervisor and the Quality Assurance Program, and capable of completing additional specialized training, as required or available, from Federal, State, Local agencies and other organizations. Must have knowledge of the criminal justice system and familiarity with the sensitive and confidential nature of evidence managing and examination. Must be able to establish and set priorities according to time sensitive information in order to have continued success in this position. Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or a related science courses with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in forensic science, including the minimum qualifications listed.