Forensic Scientist I
The Forensic Scientist I at Confidential Client's State Crime Lab performs entry-level forensic biology casework, including analysis of bodily fluids and DNA testing to identify donors. The role involves preparing detailed reports, providing expert testimony in court, ensuring quality assurance through peer review, and staying current with forensic biology advancements through continuing education. This position requires technical independence, professionalism in interactions with law enforcement and legal personnel, and adherence to rigorous background checks and certification standards.
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.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Forensic Scientist I to join a state crime laboratory in Raleigh, NC. In this role you will perform forensic biology and serology casework and support criminal investigations by analyzing biological evidence and preparing defensible reports.
- Perform entry-level forensic biology casework including serology and DNA testing.
- Screen evidence for presence of bodily fluids (blood, semen, saliva) and other biological material.
- Prepare and document laboratory analyses using PCR-STR methods and other DNA technologies.
- Write clear, technically accurate laboratory reports and maintain chain-of-custody records.
- Provide expert testimony in state and federal courts regarding analytical results and methods.
- Review peer documentation and reports for quality assurance and laboratory standards.
- Maintain proficiency testing and complete required continuing education (minimum 8 hours annually).
- Support laboratory operations through assigned collateral duties and occasional overtime to meet case demands.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, forensic science (with a biology/DNA concentration), medical technology, zoology, animal science, or closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related laboratory experience.
- Coursework or experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, statistics, and population genetics is strongly preferred.
- Ability to produce written reports and deliver testimony in a professional manner.
- Willingness to complete proficiency testing and continuing education as required.
- Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within 18 months of eligibility.
Preferred / Management Preferences
- Master’s degree in a biological science OR two years of laboratory experience is preferred.
- Familiarity with PCR-STR workflows, serology presumptive and confirmatory tests, and basic population genetics concepts.
Compensation & Benefits
- Recruitment range (as listed by the Confidential Client): $55,000 - $60,619 per year.
- Estimated market salary shown on the source posting: approximately $85,298 / year (estimate only).
- Benefits typically provided by state employers may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and training opportunities; actual benefits will be provided by the hiring organization.
Additional Requirements & Important Information
- Selected candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation. Components may include polygraph, criminal and credit checks, reference interviews, fingerprinting, and drug screening. Out-of-state candidates may be required to return to North Carolina for investigation steps at their own expense.
- This role is performed onsite in Raleigh, NC. Travel to regional labs or courts may be required.
- Overtime may be required depending on laboratory workload.
- Applicants must list detailed work history and education on the application; statements like "See Resume" will not be accepted.
- Foreign degree holders must provide equivalency evaluation (for example, WES) when requested.
Why Join
- Work on meaningful, case-driven science that supports criminal justice.
- Develop technical and courtroom testimony skills in a supportive forensic environment.
- Ongoing training and opportunities to stay current with forensic science advances.
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.
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