Laboratory Technician - Drug Chemistry

Job Description

Job Description

Launch your forensic science career with the North Louisiana Crime Lab (NLCL)! We're hiring a full-time Technician to join our Drug Chemistry section.

As a full-service forensic laboratory, the NLCL delivers objective, high-quality scientific analysis to law enforcement agencies and courts across 29 parishes in northern Louisiana. Our teams work across drug chemistry, toxicology, DNA, and firearms analysis.

We're a team driven by integrity, collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving our community with accuracy and speed. If you're ready to put your science background to work on cases that matter, this is an excellent opportunity to begin a meaningful career in forensic science, gaining hands-on laboratory experience and professional development within an accredited, full-service lab that serves the northern Louisiana community.

About the Role

Technicians in Drug Chemistry perform entry-level forensic science work under close supervision for controlled dangerous substance (CDS) casework. This position supports the laboratory’s mission by assisting with evidence analysis, maintaining quality and accreditation standards, and contributing to efficient case throughput. This is an entry-level position designed to build foundational skills in forensic drug chemistry. This role is critical for maintaining caseload balance, reducing turnaround times, and supporting long-term staffing development within the section.

This is a one-year fixed-term position with the potential to transition to a regular full-time role based on organizational need and individual performance.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform analytical techniques on forensic samples using established SOPs
• Perform various administrative tasks
• Complete required trainings and competency assessments in a timely manner
• Prepare reagents and solvents and perform/document quality control checks on reagents, instrumentation, and equipment
• Enter case data and maintain accurate documentation in the laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Assist scientists with evidence handling/storage
• Stay current with developments in forensic science through assigned training and professional activities
• Additional duties may be assigned based on experience and ability at the discretion of the Deputy Director.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in forensic science or a chemical or biological science
• Basic knowledge of forensic drug chemistry principles and laboratory practices
• Ability to follow detailed technical procedures and standard operating procedures
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document analytical work
• Effective organizational and time management skills to meet training and caseload expectations
• Ability to learn new instrumentation, methods, and laboratory systems (e.g., LIMS)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and telehealth) - 100% company-paid for employees. 
• Participation in the Parochial Employees Retirement System of Louisiana.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and recognition of state and federal holidays.
• Discounted supplemental health insurance options.

Physical and/or Environmental Demands
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or
necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Environment: Office, Laboratory;
• Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;
• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
• Ability to speak; hear; and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work. Stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work;
• Ability to transfer weights of twenty-five (25) pounds anticipated for this position;
  

Conditional selection based on candidate education and training, experience, interviews and clearance of background investigation.

The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory (NLCL) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age (40 or older), military status, disability or genetic information.