About Company
Uncover truth and make a profound societal impact at Career.zycto. We empower highly skilled professionals to connect with roles where their expertise is most valued, particularly within critical fields like forensic science. For a Forensic Scientist, our network offers unparalleled access to opportunities that merge meticulous analysis with real-world consequence. Join a team where your dedication to justice, scientific precision, and analytical prowess aren’t just appreciated, but are essential to our mission. Career.zycto is committed to fostering environments where experts like you can thrive, advancing investigative work and contributing directly to public safety in communities nationwide.
Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Forensic Scientist to join a pivotal team committed to upholding justice and public safety in South Portland, Maine. This is an unparalleled opportunity for an individual passionate about applying scientific principles and advanced analytical techniques to criminal investigations. As a Forensic Scientist, you will play a critical role in the examination, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence collected from crime scenes, ensuring the highest standards of scientific rigor and impartiality. Your work will directly support law enforcement agencies by providing crucial scientific insights that can lead to case resolution, identify perpetrators, and exonerate the innocent. This position demands meticulous attention to detail, a strong ethical compass, and the ability to articulate complex scientific findings clearly and concisely, often in a courtroom setting.
You will be integral to a laboratory environment equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, where your expertise will contribute to a broad spectrum of forensic disciplines, potentially including trace evidence, controlled substances, firearms and toolmarks, or biological evidence analysis. Beyond the bench, this role requires active participation in quality assurance protocols, method development, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in forensic science. We are looking for someone who is not only proficient in laboratory techniques but also possesses excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with investigators, attorneys, and other legal professionals. If you are driven by a commitment to scientific integrity and wish to make a tangible difference in the pursuit of justice, we encourage you to apply for this impactful full-time position.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive scientific analysis of physical evidence using established forensic methodologies and instrumentation (e.g., GC-MS, FTIR, DNA analysis, microscopy).
- Process and document evidence according to strict chain-of-custody protocols, ensuring integrity and admissibility in court.
- Interpret analytical results, formulate conclusions, and prepare detailed, accurate, and scientifically sound laboratory reports.
- Provide expert witness testimony in court regarding methods of analysis, findings, and interpretations.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
- Participate in quality assurance and quality control programs, including proficiency testing and method validation.
- Maintain accurate and thorough records of all analytical procedures and results.
- Collaborate effectively with law enforcement personnel, legal teams, and other forensic professionals.
- Stay current with advancements in forensic science, instrumentation, and relevant legal requirements.
- Adhere to all safety protocols and laboratory regulations, ensuring a secure and compliant work environment.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related scientific field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a forensic laboratory setting.
- Proficiency in various forensic laboratory techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report generation and courtroom testimony.
- Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.
- Thorough knowledge of quality assurance/quality control procedures in a forensic context.
- Familiarity with chain-of-custody principles and strict evidence handling protocols.
- Proficiency in scientific software and data analysis tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Forensic Science or a relevant scientific discipline.
- Certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or an equivalent professional body.
- Prior experience testifying as an expert witness in state or federal court.
- Demonstrated experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Specialized training or experience in specific forensic disciplines (e.g., toxicology, DNA analysis, firearms identification, trace evidence).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package with annual performance reviews.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- 401(k) retirement plan with robust company matching contributions.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, advanced training, and conference attendance.
- Meaningful and impactful work directly contributing to public safety and criminal justice.
- A collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating team environment.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge forensic technology.
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference? We invite highly qualified candidates to submit their application. Please click on the application link below to apply directly for this exciting Forensic Scientist role. Ensure your resume and cover letter highlight your relevant experience, scientific expertise, and dedication to upholding scientific integrity and justice.
