TBI FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1** - 07152026-79257

About the role

This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests such as analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of a criminal investigation; composes technical laboratory reports describing the results of tests; and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes or assists in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Evaluates and compares unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases [e.g., Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)] to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Demonstrates and articulates knowledge and proficiency in methodology for the assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question and answer sessions, mock cases, and mock court settings.
• Affords assistance with discipline specific instrument maintenance and quality control duties to ensure the integrity of testing results.
• Uses the laboratory information system to review case information, track evidence, enter results, and generate reports.
• Documents, processes, and preserves forensic evidence in the laboratory for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Testifies and/or consults as an expert witness for judicial proceedings to communicate laboratory results.
• Performs technical and administrative peer reviews of forensic casework to ensure accuracy of testing results and compliance with laboratory and discipline specific policies.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other natural or physical sciences; forensic science, or other forensic related areas; including a minimum of thirty-six progressive quarter hours (twenty-four semester hours) in chemistry or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related coursework.
• A transcript with all chemistry credits or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency can properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.
• Applicants for this class must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application; Be a citizen of the United States;
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license;
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
• Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority;
• Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment;
• Participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures;
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.

Competencies (KSA's)

• Decision Quality
• Nimble Learning
• Plans and Aligns
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust

Knowledges

• Law and Government
• Chemistry
• Biology

Skills

• Writing
• Quality Control Analysis
• Science
• Reading Comprehension
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Deductive Reasoning

Tools & Equipment

• Laboratory Information System and Forensic Databases
• Hand Tools
• Scientific Laboratory Equipment
• Computers