About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

This entry-level forensic scientist role focuses on drug chemistry casework for the criminal justice system. You will analyze evidence, prepare reports, and provide expert testimony in court. Work is laboratory- and case-focused and follows established SOPs and QA/QC practices.

• Perform routine casework on evidence types such as unknown powders, tablets, botanicals, and liquids (excluding clandestine lab evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence, and food tampering cases).
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation, including GC‑MS and FTIR.
• Prepare chemical reagents and solvents and document quality-control checks.
• Prepare clear, accurate written laboratory reports and complete required case documentation.
• Provide expert testimony in state and federal courts regarding analytical results.
• Participate in competency and proficiency testing and peer-review of case reports.
• Assist more senior analysts (Forensic Scientist II) with collateral duties and equipment maintenance when assigned.
• May perform overtime and occasional travel (including overnight stays) based on operational needs.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science (chemistry concentration), forensic science (chemistry/toxicology concentration), biochemistry, pharmacology, or a closely related field — OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
• At least two years of laboratory experience that includes use of GC‑MS and/or FTIR instrumentation.
• Ability to obtain individual certification consistent with international/ISO standards within 18 months of eligibility, per the certifying entity’s standards.
• Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation prior to employment. The investigation typically includes: polygraph, credit and arrest checks, reference and associate interviews, verification of education, fingerprinting, and urinalysis drug screening.
• Willingness to comply with state-required background processes (out-of-state applicants may need to travel to complete checks at their expense).

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Preferred Skills

• Strong technical writing skills for accurate report generation.
• Effective oral communication and courtroom testimony skills.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to follow SOPs precisely.
• Experience with chemical reagent preparation, QA/QC documentation, and basic instrument troubleshooting.

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Working Conditions & Additional Requirements

• Role is full-time, laboratory-based; may require occasional overtime and travel.
• Work requires standing in lab environments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to safety protocols.
• Selected candidate must successfully clear the comprehensive background investigation before a final offer is confirmed.
• Some tasks may require coordination with law enforcement and court schedules; punctuality and reliability are essential.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Recruitment salary range: $52,592 – $56,650 per year.
• Typical public-sector benefits may include employer-paid health insurance, dental and vision options, retirement plans, paid holidays, and generous vacation and sick leave accrual. Actual benefits and eligibility will be provided by the hiring organization.

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How We Evaluate Candidates

Careertakes (as the recruiting partner) and our confidential client will evaluate applications against the stated education, experience, and technical requirements. To receive full credit for your background, list relevant education, lab experience, instrument experience (GC‑MS, FTIR), and any certifications on your application. Use the online application fields — phrases like “See Resume” may result in an incomplete application.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.