Title: Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader
Description: Description
The Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader oversees the technical management of the Forensic Chemistry Unit and is responsible for implementing, evaluating, and modifying analytical procedures. The position directly supervises Forensic Laboratory analysts within the discipline, providing guidance, performance evaluation, and professional development. As the primary scientific authority for the unit, the Technical Leader ensures compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards while supporting staff in maintaining analytical excellence and professional growth.
HIRING SALARY: $95,804 – $125,465 (Estimated Annual Salary)
OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)
Leads, manages, and maintains accountability for the technical operations of the Forensic Chemistry Unit.
Manages personnel including caseload assignments, work priorities, performance evaluations, career development planning, and administrative expectations.
Conducts technical and administrative reviews of cases to ensure compliance with established procedures and scientific conclusions.
Develops and maintains unit-specific operating procedures, quality manuals, and training programs. Conducts annual review of all technical procedures and documentation.
Serves as chief training officer for unit personnel, provides instruction on new methods, equipment and software systems.
Provides expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, analytical methods, data interpretation and conclusions related to controlled substance identification and quantitation.
Performs extensive research on new equipment, procedures, trends, and advances in the profession, including emerging drugs, novel psychoactive substances, and analytical techniques.
Conducts measurement uncertainty estimations for quantitative analyses and ensures proper application of uncertainty calculations in casework.
Identifies trends and new potential substances for awareness within the criminal justice community.
Assists in developing section operating budget, monitoring section resources, equipment, supplies and instrument maintenance.
Conducts comprehensive validation studies of equipment, methods, and software.
Performs other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and the Public Safety Directorate.
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related field required. Graduate degree preferred.
A minimum of twelve (12) semester or equivalent credit hours of combined undergraduate and graduate course work in general, organic, and analytical chemistry (including instrumental analysis).
A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accredited forensic science laboratory. Five (5) years of controlled substance analysis experience as a qualified analyst preferred.
A minimum of one (1) year experience in a lead capacity overseeing quality activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.
Knowledge of controlled substance classification and scheduling systems. Ability to acquire working knowledge of South Carolina controlled substance statutes and regulations.
Experience with fire debris analysis and interpretation preferred.
Training in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and completed internal/external assessor training preferred.
Certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) preferred.
Must possess a valid SC Driver’s License (or obtain within three (3) months of hire) and meet the requirements of the County’s motor vehicle policy.
Closing Date for position: 05/24/2026
Location of Position:, South Carolina
Additional Information: PDF Description of Opportunity