Forensic Scientist - Drug Chemistry

Overview

Position is responsible for providing scientific analysis of criminal evidence, including expert court testimony, and for assisting in developing and implementing scientific programs and training requirements. The role involves coordinating with local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies, compiling statistical data, ensuring work products meet legal and scientific standards, and acting as Forensic Scientist Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor when needed. The Scientist must make detailed notes on evidence received, processes used, and triage requests for analysis, maintain safety and reporting procedures, and apply independent judgment in situations lacking clear SOPs or laws.

The Indianapolis‑Marion County Forensic Services Agency serves the Marion County community by supporting the criminal justice system. Services include crime‑scene processing, forensic document examinations, latent print processing and examination, blood alcohol analysis, fire debris analysis, seized‑drug analysis, firearms examinations and NIBIN, DNA and serology analysis, and Forensic Evidence Technician (Morgue Liaison) services. The agency promotes a collaborative, compliant work environment for the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents we serve.

• Perform a wide variety of professionally skilled scientific analyses on criminal evidence, including examination, comparison, evaluation, and result determination.
• Prepare formal technical written reports on examination results, statistical analyses, and research projects.
• Ensure appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are employed throughout the laboratory section.
• Serve as an expert, providing technical consultation, advice to scientific personnel, tours, briefs, training, and expert testimony in court.
• Participate in laboratory improvement measures with the Supervisor to develop technical guidance, implementing new forensic technologies, testing methodologies, programs, procedures, and databases.
• Evaluate and review statistical data to ensure compliance with scientific, legal, and government regulations.
• Recommend modifications to current practices and requirements for section operation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in techniques, instrumentation, and technology in specialty areas, and provide input to the Forensic Scientist Supervisor for operational and training planning.
• Act as Forensic Scientist Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor when required in their absence.
• Liaise between the Director, IMCFSA and local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies and personnel (IMPD, MCSO, MCPO, MCCO, FBI, ATF, DEA, courts, etc.) to ensure scientific and administrative support.
• Conduct training for local agencies, including basic evidence technical courses and specialized forensic application courses.
• Attend seminars, meetings, and conferences to incorporate new developments into laboratory case work.
• Present laboratory research results at conferences and/or publish in scientific journals.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all‑inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses. Discipline‑specific course requirements may apply, as defined by the laboratory. Completion of specific forensic training (minimum 6 months, maximum 48 months) is required. Incumbent must maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing and be willing to complete additional internal/external training as determined by the Forensic Scientist Supervisor and the Quality Assurance Program, including specialized training available from federal, state, local agencies and other organizations.

Must possess knowledge of the criminal justice system and the sensitive, confidential nature of evidence management and examination. Ability to establish priorities based on time‑sensitive information and communicate effectively in oral, verbal, and written formats is required.

Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses, including the minimum qualifications listed above.