State of Maryland

An MSP Forensic Scientist Advanced is the advanced level of work in the chemical, biological, pattern or trace analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Sciences Division of the Maryland State Police (MSP).    The MSP Forensic Sciences Director determines whether employees in this classification meet one of the four qualifying job functions.  Employees in this classification either have fully developed technical expertise in more than one forensic science unit (i.e. Controlled Dangerous Substances-CDS Unit, Toxicology Unit, Biology Database Unit, Biology Casework Unit, Firearms/Toolmarks Unit, Latent Print/Impressions Unit, Trace Evidence Unit, Questioned Documents Unit) and maintain proficiency to perform analysis in each of those units; OR functions as a Training Coordinator in a forensic science unit; OR functions as a Technical Leader in a forensic science unit; OR functions as a Database Coordinator for one of the national individual characteristics database programs participated in by the MSP Forensic Sciences.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but do provide guidance and technical advice to lower-level MSP Forensic Scientists.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an MSP Forensic Scientist Supervisor.  Work may be performed in a laboratory setting or at crime scenes located throughout the State.  Employees in this classification may be required to work overtime.  Employees may be exposed to hazardous agents requiring the use of safety equipment.  Employees are subject to call in on a 24-hour basis.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

The MSP Forensic Scientist Advanced is differentiated from the MSP Forensic Scientist III in that the MSP Forensic Scientist Advanced has been certified by the MSP Forensic Sciences Director to have met  all of the advanced level competency requirements to function in more than one forensic science unit; or function as a Training Coordinator or a Technical Leader in a forensic science unit; or function as a Database Coordinator for one the national individual characteristics database programs participated in by the MSP Forensic Sciences Division while the MSP Forensic Scientist III performs the full range of laboratory tests or comparative analyses in one forensic sciences unit duties and responsibilities under general supervision. The MSP Forensic Scientist Advanced is differentiated from the MSP Forensic Scientist Supervisor in that the MSP Forensic Scientist Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level MSP Forensic Scientists.

Performs one of the following advanced level duties:

Performs full chemical, biological, pattern or trace analysis of criminal evidence in more than one forensic science unit (i.e. Controlled Dangerous Substances-CDS Unit, Toxicology Unit, Biology Database Unit, Biology Casework Unit, Firearms/ Toolmarks Unit, Latent Print/Impressions Unit, Trace Evidence Unit, Questioned Documents Unit); or

Functions as Training Coordinator in a forensic science unit; or

Functions as Technical Leader in a forensic science unit; or

Functions as Database Coordinator for one of the national individual characteristic database programs (i.e. Automated Fingerprint Information System, Combined DNA Index System, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) participated in by the MSP Forensic Sciences Division;

Other duties of the Classification:

Provides technical assistance, guidance and training to lower-level MSP Forensic Scientists; Performs chemical, biological, pattern or trace analyses of criminal evidence;

Testifies in court as an expert witness about the chain of custody, design and results of tests conducted and the conclusions reached;

Attends and successfully completes all required competency and continuing education training;

Maintains case records and files in accordance with accreditation standards;

Designs and prepares exhibits of tested physical evidence for use in court proceedings in order to assist in the prosecution of criminal cases;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of college-level biology, chemistry or forensic science technology used in crime laboratories;

Knowledge of crime lab procedures and practices, research methods, analytical instrumentation and equipment as applied to the work in a crime laboratory;

Knowledge of the theory and operation of laboratory chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a crime laboratory;

Knowledge of police investigative procedures concerning physical evidence associated with the commission of a crime;

Knowledge of criminal trial proceedings related to the rules of evidence;

Knowledge of law enforcement investigative procedures related to handling physical evidence;

Skill in understanding and following crime lab procedures and policies;

Skill in conducting analyses, analyzing test data and drawing accurate conclusions;

Skill in the application of standard precautions in handling potentially infectious biological materials or hazardous chemicals;

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare scientific reports in a manner acceptable for admission in a court of law;

Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment;

Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and customers.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, genetics, medical technology, pharmaceutical science, or related physical, natural or forensic science from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years of experience in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence including experience in providing testimony as an expert witness in moot or criminal court.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience performing comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence to include experience in providing expert testimony, on a year-for- year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute additional experience at another accredited crime laboratory performing equivalent work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in the above physical, natural or forensic sciences from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree in the above physical, natural or forensic sciences from an accredited college or university for two years of the required experience.  

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Candidates appointed to this classification must possess the certification or license required by the governing body of the forensic discipline associated with the job duties for the specific position. Specific information concerning the requirements and procedures of the applicable governing body can be obtained from the Human Resources office of the Maryland Department of State Police, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208.

1. Employees in this classification are subject to call 24-in hours a day and, therefore, are required to provide the agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to random substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

3. In accordance with Public Safety Article, Section 2-204(b) (6) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening, a physical examination, submission of a DNA sample, and a complete criminal background investigation, to include a polygraph examination before permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction may be grounds for rejection of the candidate.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.   An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.