Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 (Drug Chemistry Section)

These full-time positions will provide evaluation, examination, analysis, and data interpretation for evidence collected from criminal investigations to inform and support the criminal justice system.  These activities will be conducted within the Drug Chemistry Section of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Services.  They include the use of a variety of scientific techniques and instrumentation to analyze items of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies for the presence or absence of controlled substance.  These activities will be conducted in adherence to the agency policies and procedures in a manner that embodies the mission, vision, and values of the MN BCA.  These positions will also participate in the training, evaluation, continuing education, and quality assurance activities needed for the delivery of accurate and reliable results to agency stakeholders, including expert witness testimony.  Following successful completion of the necessary training programs and establishment within the drug chemistry discipline, these positions may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for inclusion in the Crime Scene Response Program. 

Training will be in the Drug Chemistry discipline of the MN BCA Forensic Science Services and persons hired as a Forensic Scientist Trainee will typically be trained in topics including but not limited to:

1.      Foundation and application of forensic procedures pertinent to the forensic discipline in which the trainee is employed

2.      Data analysis and interpretation

3.      Courtroom testimony

4.      Quality assurance as it pertains to forensic science

5.      Chain of custody, evidence handling, examination, and documentation

6.      Criminal court procedures and practices with special reference to rules of evidence

Trainees will work with experienced scientists within the applicable section and throughout the BCA FSS during the training program.