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The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting a permanent Chemist 2 position to join our team in the Forensic Biology/DNA Section in the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT. 

 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

  • Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees
  • The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information

 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

  • This position is full time, following a first shift schedule, 40 hours per week, and Monday through Friday.
  • As a general recruitment, the Chemist 2 will work within the Forensic Biology/DNA section.
  • In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside other lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners, as needed.
  • The successful candidate will possess knowledge of modern methods utilized in forensic analyses, applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials, and laboratory instrumentation for forensic sequencing. 
  • The successful candidate will also possess strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to conduct laboratory analysis, utilize computer software, and act as an expert witness in a court of law.

 

ABOUT US 

The DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
 

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence

  • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
  • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
  • Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility

  • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
  • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
  • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability

  • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
  • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
  • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
  • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:

  • Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry
  • Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling
  • Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis

In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:

  • Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards
  • Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions

Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in an industrial, public health, toxicology, medical or materials laboratory involving scientific work in the field of chemistry.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the junior working level in the field of chemistry. 

 

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Chemist 1.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.