Forensic Scientist

Work for Indiana

Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana's communities every day.

At the State of Indiana, we don't just talk about diversity and inclusion - Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process, as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

Next Level benefits at the State of Indiana are here! Be sure to review our expanded benefit package offerings below.

About the Indiana State Department of Toxicology:

The Indiana State Department of Toxicology provides forensic toxicological services and education about the science of toxicology. ISDT supports the criminal justice system through analyses for alcohol and selected drugs in blood samples submitted by law enforcement agencies and coroners, furnishing expert testimony, educating on the pharmacology and toxicology of drugs, training and certifying law enforcement officers to administer breath tests for alcohol, certifying breath test instruments, and certifying ignition interlock device models.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $60,000.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Role Overview:

This position serves as a Forensic Scientist for the Indiana State Department of Toxicology. In this position, you will be responsible for conducting analysis on biological and chemical samples in the forensic toxicology testing laboratory and/or breath test instrument calibration laboratory.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Perform alcohol and/or drug analysis in the forensic toxicology testing laboratory and/or breath test instrument calibration laboratory.

• Perform technical and administrative reviews of laboratory testing and/or breath test instrument inspections.

• Assist with development and validation of new analytical methods.

• Perform experiments to modify and/or improve analytical techniques and procedures under the direction of supervisor and/or Forensic Scientist 1.

• Operate, maintain, validate, and perform quality control of scientific instrumentation and equipment, e.g., gas chromatographs, liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and breath test instruments.

• Perform and interpret quality control procedures, instrument quality checks, and necessary calibration adjustments and repairs.

• Maintain records to ensure proper documentation of activities and results.

• Communicate analytical procedures, methodologies, policies, and conclusions, including court testimony as an expert witness.

• Provide internal and external trainings related to breath test methodologies and/or toxicology analyses.

• Maintain confidentiality of all test results.

• Participate in proficiency testing to document and verify accuracy and competency in testing and/or calibration.

• Follow established safety guidelines and perform other duties as required.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, and additional duties may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biology, or related field.

What You'll Need for Success:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• Broad knowledge of forensic toxicology techniques, procedures, and accreditation;

• Knowledge of the theory and practical operation of relevant scientific instrumentation and analytical techniques of forensic analysis and forensic quality assurance programs;

• Ability to testify as an expert witness in an objective and professional manner;

• Ability to perform advanced scientific procedures following test methods;

• Ability to comprehend, demonstrate, and explain the theory and practical operation of a variety of scientific instruments and analytical techniques;

• Ability to communicate scientific information effectively in speech and writing;

• Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems;

• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment;

• Ability to adhere to established laboratory safety practices; and

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all test results.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role has no direct supervision of staff members.

Responsibility:

You are responsible for performing routine toxicology and chemical analyses and maintaining analytical proficiency in forensic toxicology analysis and/or breath alcohol calibration. You are responsible for communicating effectively with scientific and criminal justice stakeholders. Assignments and review of work are based on general objectives and overall impact on the agency's mission.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruit, select, develop, and promote employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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