Forensic Scientist

Mission: Every day at the Montana Department of Justice, our employees are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rights of the people of our great state. At the Department of Justice we do the right thing for the right reason. If youre looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that builds a culture of character and excellence, demonstrates collaboration and selfless public service, and upholds the law and pursues public safety, the Department of Justice may just be the career for you. Please take a moment and watch the linked video to learn how the Department of Justice serves the citizens of Montana. At the Forensic Science Division (FSD), law enforcement agencies from across the great state of Montana send crime scene evidence of all varieties to our internationally accredited Montana State Crime Lab. We have over 35 forensic analysts who do amazing work, such as identifying mysterious powders or pills, pin-point quantities of various drugs in a persons body, extract DNA from a blood stain, match fired bullets to guns, and find fingerprints on ATM machines, to name a few. The Crime Lab is also home to the State Medical Examiners office, where over 600 autopsies a year are performed in Missoula and Billings to determine cause and manner of death in unattended or suspicious circumstances. The Montana State Crime Lab proudly serves the criminal justice community and the people of Montana. **** **Job Overview: ** The Forensic Scientist position performs a full range of scientific analysis of various materials and substances. Each analyst conducts quality control and quality assurance procedures, makes significant technical contributions to the laboratory, shares new ideas, builds strong internal and external networks, and mentors and develops less experienced staff. As an expert witness examiners testify in court regarding analytical results, methodology, interpretation and reliability of results within their forensic field. Analysts may also supervise training programs and conduct research and planning in support of laboratory projects and goals. This position requires a bachelors degree in chemistry, biological science, or a closely related field. A minimum of one year of General Chemistry and one year of Organic Chemistry is essential. A bachelors degree in Chemistry is preferred. Three years of current and relevant experience preferably in an accredited forensic laboratory specializing in the analysis of controlled substances is desirable. Current means experience with currently accepted best forensic lab practices. Relevant means experience relevant to analytical techniques and instrumentation utilized at the Montana Forensic Science Division as described in the job description. This job may be opened as a training position. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire. A well-qualified trainee would have experience in the analysis of drugs/adulterants utilizing relevant instrumentation. Experience with the use of Laboratory Information Management Software (LIMS), specifically Justice Trax LIMS, is also desired. Some experience in a forensic laboratory is preferred. Special Instructions: As part of your cover letter describe your experience operating, validating, maintaining, evaluating data, and monitoring QA/QC parameters for a variety of analytical instruments such as GC-MSD, GC-IR, and FTIR. Include the environment in which the instrument were used (e.g school lab, work place, research, theoretical only). **** The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but not limited to, an evaluation of the resume and cover letter, a structured interview, performance test, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks. *Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered. Successful applicant(s) will be subject to: * Background Check * Criminal History Fingerprint Check * Pre-employment drug testing **HOW TO APPLY: ** You are REQUIRED to attach a cover letter, resume and transcripts at the time of application. This position is open until filled with a first review date of May 18, 2018. In your cover letter please address the following question: * How do your qualifications and experience directly correlate to the duties of this position and why would you be the best candidate for the job? In your resume, include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties and dates of employment (month & year - start & end), including reason for leaving. A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the cover letter, resume and your transcripts in order to be considered for this position. Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being incomplete and will not be considered further. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an email with instructions on how to submit such documents. If you need an accommodation with the application process please contact the HR office. This Organization Participates in E-Verify. [](https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/Home.aspx ""Return to E-Verify Home" " ) Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply. This position is/may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association). For more information regarding VEBA go to http://montanaveba.org/. **Primary Location: **Missoula **Work Locations: ** **Job: **Information Technology/Computer Science **Organization: **State of Montana **Job Posting: **May 11, 2018, 12:36:04 PM **Closing Date: **Ongoing **Shift: **Day Job **Travel: **Yes, 5 % of the Time