Job Description

The Forensic Scientist III is a supervisory position within the Toxicology Unit of the Massachusetts State Police Forensic Services Division which analyzes postmortem and antemortem specimens for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and courts of the Commonwealth. This is the fully competent professional acting as the first-level supervisor for all toxicological work. Incumbents apply advanced principles, practices and techniques to the work performed. At this level, incumbents seek guidance and advice from more experienced colleagues and focus on gaining knowledge and experience to perform more independently and participate in work of higher complexity.

In addition to the functions performed at the Forensic Scientist Level I and II, incumbents at this level may perform the following:

• Supervise Forensic Scientists of a lower level within the unit as they identify, collect, preserve and examine evidence.
• Supervise Forensic Scientists of a lower level to manage caseloads and assignment and oversee production of results. Decide how work must be delegated and assigned to Forensic Scientists of a lower grade based upon caseload, staffing strengths and other personnel considerations.
• Lead activities, and provide training and direction in projects, processes, and functions where advanced subject matter knowledge is required.
• Provide training/technical assistance to Assistant District Attorneys, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), police/fire personnel and other stakeholders on the collection and preservation of evidence, the results of laboratory testing and on laboratory operations.
• Perform and/or participate in validation studies/performance verifications for work groups or units.
• Participate in the training to Forensic Scientists of a lower level as required.
• Provide testimony as an expert and/or material witness in court and/or at formal judicial hearings in order to defend the findings of a test, examination or analysis, provide opinions on test results/examinations, demonstrate scientific procedures, and to explain test procedures and other job-related functions.
• Assist in the development of, review, revise, and follow protocols and procedures for all unit duties, as required.
• Ensure compliance with the laboratory's administrative policies, quality assurance/quality control requirements and ANAB accreditation standards.
• Implements quality control procedures; determines whether to accept or reject samples and/or materials sent to the laboratory for testing or analysis and assists in making necessary technical decisions to produce accurate results efficiently for all tests performed in the laboratory.
• Creates a positive work environment and effectively communicates with others.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures adopted in a forensic laboratory.
• Knowledge of chemistry research methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal terms and the legal process.
• Knowledge of how to direct subordinates in the proper techniques for handling, preserving, tracking and transporting samples and specimens used in a laboratory to preserve the integrity of the samples for presentation in a court of law.
• Ability to generate legal documents for use in the court system.
• Ability to take information about a case and determine what needs to be tested.
• Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; motivating subordinates to work effectively and efficiently; and determining the need for and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.
• Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents and determining the proper format and procedures for assembling the items of information.
• Ability to evaluate the quality of collected chemical data and/or physical evidence.
• Ability to interact effectively with and establish rapport with diverse teams and groups of people.
• Ability to understand and apply Massachusetts General Law and federal statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.