Forensic Scientist I

Job Details
Job Title: Forensic Scientist I
Job Location: 10101 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219
Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 PM-8:30 PM Central Time
Hours per Week: 40 hours
Contract Duration: Approximately 3 months
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant science field preferred
Experience: Minimum 1 year of laboratory experience preferred

Position Summary:

The Forensic Scientist I works within the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory and reports to the Department Supervisor, collaborating with the Supervisor and/or Group Lead to meet laboratory objectives.

This position is responsible for performing confirmation testing of donor specimens, including specimen preparation, extraction, and instrument operation. The role requires adherence to laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control requirements, specimen chain-of-custody procedures, and documentation standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain the chain of custody for forensic specimens and follow approved specimen-handling procedures.
• Perform specimen preparation, extraction, and confirmation testing.
• Operate applicable laboratory instruments for sample analysis.
• Follow departmental SOPs and maintain competency in assigned laboratory procedures.
• Prepare and verify the performance of new reagents.
• Ensure required calibrators and quality control samples are included in each testing batch.
• Demonstrate sound analytical techniques while minimizing errors.
• Perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Conduct basic data review and analysis.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and legible laboratory records.
• Perform and document temperature checks on temperature-sensitive equipment.
• Participate in method and instrument validation studies.
• Assist with validation of new calibrators, controls, and new or modified analytical procedures.
• Maintain required productivity and quality standards.
• Notify the Supervisor and/or Group Lead of equipment issues or production problems.
• Complete continuing education and competency verification activities.
• Complete required quality control and quality assurance documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional laboratory environment.
• Follow the assigned work schedule and all company and departmental policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Education Requirements:

Preferred education: Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physical Science
• Medical Technology

Alternative education pathway:

A bachelor's degree in another major may be considered if the candidate has the following coursework to meet New York State (NYS) requirements:

• 16 semester hours of Chemistry, including at least 6 semester hours in inorganic chemistry.
• 16 semester hours of Biology relevant to the medical sciences.
• 3 semester hours of Mathematics.

The alternative coursework must be acceptable toward a Chemistry major where specified. College transcripts must be reviewed and approved by the Quality Assurance (QA) department before an employment offer to confirm compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Experience and Technical Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications:

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures.
• Familiarity with specimen preparation and extraction.
• Experience operating laboratory instruments.
• Understanding of calibration, quality control, and quality assurance procedures.
• Basic data analysis and review skills.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records and following SOPs.

Note: The requisition lists laboratory experience as preferred, not mandatory. No specific certification or license is listed as required.

Physical and Technical Requirements:

• Ability to perform routine and repetitive motions, including pipetting.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• General computer and laboratory systems knowledge.
• Ability to perform basic data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Days: Tuesday through Saturday.
• Hours: 12:00 PM-8:30 PM Central Time.
• Location: Onsite at 10101 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, Kansas.
• Supervision: Reports to the Department Supervisor and follows direction from the Supervisor and/or Group Lead.