Montgomery County MD
Senior Forensic Scientist (Forensic Chemistry Unit), Grade 26
Montgomery County MD, Gaithersburg, Maryland, us, 20883
Salary :
$87,235.00 - $140,274.00 Annually Location :
100 Edison Park Dr Gaithersburg MD 20878 USA Job Type:
Permanent Job Number:
2025-00635 Department:
Department of Police Division:
POL 47 ISB Forensics Sciences and Evidence Management Division Chemistry Section Opening Date:
09/26/2025 Closing Date:
10/10/2025 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA:
Exempt
About the Position The
anticipated
salary range for this position is
$87,235 (minimum) - $140,274
(maximum)
WHO WE ARE
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922 and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is seeking an accomplished and dynamic forensic science professional to serve as the Senior Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Chemistry Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division.
About the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division (FSEMD)
Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.
Why Join MCPD?
As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.
What You'll Be Doing This position serves as the technical leader for the Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU), overseeing all technical aspects to ensure the accuracy of work and the competency of staff. You will provide daily technical and administrative oversight of unit operations in close coordination with the Forensic Chemistry Unit Supervisor.
In this role, you will collaborate with a wide range of contacts including the Laboratory Deputy Director, Quality Manager, FCU Supervisor, FCU forensic scientists, administrative staff, police officers, attorneys, scientific and accreditation bodies, and external laboratories.
This position is ideal for a forensic scientist experienced in Seized Drug analysis who is passionate about quality science and is committed to the integrity of forensic work in support of public safety.
Key Responsibilities Oversee the technical operations of the Forensic Chemistry Unit, including reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, validating new methods and equipment, and resolving technical issues Conduct technical and administrative reviews of case files and laboratory reports to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with laboratory policies and procedures and accreditation standards Lead and maintain quality assurance and accreditation activities, including internal audits, annual reviews of the quality system, and procedural compliance Coordinate and administer unit training, competency testing, and proficiency testing Work collaboratively on technical and quality-related matters with the FCU Supervisor, Quality Manager, and Deputy Laboratory Director Perform analysis of evidence for the presence of controlled dangerous substances using chemical, microscopic, and instrumental methods; interpret analytical data and issue laboratory reports Provide expert testimony in court regarding the analysis of controlled dangerous substances
Minimum Qualifications Experience:
Five (5) years of professional experience working in an accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences, with a particular area of forensic expertise in the Seized Drug analysis discipline.
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science, and have completed courses in analytical and organic chemistry. Applicants must be eligible for verification by the Maryland Department of Health, meeting requirements described in COMAR 10.10.09 and 10.51.06.12.
Equivalency:
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
1. EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Additional education in a natural, physical, or forensic science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
2. EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional professional experience working in an accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences, with a particular area of forensic expertise in the Seized Drug analysis discipline will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences 1. Demonstrated proficiency in Seized Drug analysis within an accredited Crime Laboratory for at least five (5) years.
2. Experience delivering expert witness testimony in court and collaborating with legal professionals.
3. Experience with quality assurance programs and laboratory accreditation processes, including achieving and maintaining compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB, and COMAR.
4. Experience developing and revising laboratory procedures and protocols and implementing quality control measures.
5. Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
6. Experience with method development and validation studies, including implementation of new techniques or equipment. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law : Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website. Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team.
Montgomery County Benefits 01
Have you testified in a court of law as an expert witness?
Yes No
Required Question
$87,235.00 - $140,274.00 Annually Location :
100 Edison Park Dr Gaithersburg MD 20878 USA Job Type:
Permanent Job Number:
2025-00635 Department:
Department of Police Division:
POL 47 ISB Forensics Sciences and Evidence Management Division Chemistry Section Opening Date:
09/26/2025 Closing Date:
10/10/2025 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA:
Exempt
About the Position The
anticipated
salary range for this position is
$87,235 (minimum) - $140,274
(maximum)
WHO WE ARE
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922 and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is seeking an accomplished and dynamic forensic science professional to serve as the Senior Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Chemistry Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division.
About the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division (FSEMD)
Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.
Why Join MCPD?
As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.
What You'll Be Doing This position serves as the technical leader for the Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU), overseeing all technical aspects to ensure the accuracy of work and the competency of staff. You will provide daily technical and administrative oversight of unit operations in close coordination with the Forensic Chemistry Unit Supervisor.
In this role, you will collaborate with a wide range of contacts including the Laboratory Deputy Director, Quality Manager, FCU Supervisor, FCU forensic scientists, administrative staff, police officers, attorneys, scientific and accreditation bodies, and external laboratories.
This position is ideal for a forensic scientist experienced in Seized Drug analysis who is passionate about quality science and is committed to the integrity of forensic work in support of public safety.
Key Responsibilities Oversee the technical operations of the Forensic Chemistry Unit, including reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, validating new methods and equipment, and resolving technical issues Conduct technical and administrative reviews of case files and laboratory reports to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with laboratory policies and procedures and accreditation standards Lead and maintain quality assurance and accreditation activities, including internal audits, annual reviews of the quality system, and procedural compliance Coordinate and administer unit training, competency testing, and proficiency testing Work collaboratively on technical and quality-related matters with the FCU Supervisor, Quality Manager, and Deputy Laboratory Director Perform analysis of evidence for the presence of controlled dangerous substances using chemical, microscopic, and instrumental methods; interpret analytical data and issue laboratory reports Provide expert testimony in court regarding the analysis of controlled dangerous substances
Minimum Qualifications Experience:
Five (5) years of professional experience working in an accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences, with a particular area of forensic expertise in the Seized Drug analysis discipline.
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science, and have completed courses in analytical and organic chemistry. Applicants must be eligible for verification by the Maryland Department of Health, meeting requirements described in COMAR 10.10.09 and 10.51.06.12.
Equivalency:
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
1. EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Additional education in a natural, physical, or forensic science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
2. EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional professional experience working in an accredited laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences, with a particular area of forensic expertise in the Seized Drug analysis discipline will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences 1. Demonstrated proficiency in Seized Drug analysis within an accredited Crime Laboratory for at least five (5) years.
2. Experience delivering expert witness testimony in court and collaborating with legal professionals.
3. Experience with quality assurance programs and laboratory accreditation processes, including achieving and maintaining compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB, and COMAR.
4. Experience developing and revising laboratory procedures and protocols and implementing quality control measures.
5. Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
6. Experience with method development and validation studies, including implementation of new techniques or equipment. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law : Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website. Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team.
Montgomery County Benefits 01
Have you testified in a court of law as an expert witness?
Yes No
Required Question