Job Description
$44.98 - $71.96 Hourly $93,552 - $149,683 Annually This position is a Pay Band C12 Posting Details The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic services to over 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners throughout New Mexico. Scientists provide analysis, reports, and testimony in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Chemistry (controlled substances and ignitable liquids). The Forensic Laboratory Bureau consists of laboratories in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs. Our mission is to provide unbiased scientific analysis for federal, state, local and tribal agencies. Why does the job exist? Criminal Forensic Scientist-Chemistry. This position performs analysis of criminal evidence to identify (or exclude) controlled substances and reports findings to clients. The position independently classifies, analyzes, and identifies the contents of the evidence. The position routinely testifies in court as an expert witness. Testimony includes actions taken during analysis, the results and conclusions reached through the analysis, laboratory policies, quality control measures, laboratory accreditation, and how evidence is received and handled in the laboratory. The position also conducts peer review of chemistry cases worked by other scientists. In this way, the position supports the justice system by providing timely, accurate, and effective information. How does it get done? Upholding ethical standards and integrity Safely and securely handling criminal evidence Preparing samples for analysis using instrumental techniques such as GC-MS, FTIR, HPLC, and GC-IRD. Documenting steps followed in the analysis process using a thorough note-taking process. Producing formal reports that present the scientist's results and conclusions. Providing expert