STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Chemist 2 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #260429-7520FP-001

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Introduction



Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting a permanent Chemist 2 position to join our team in the Forensic Biology/DNA Section in the Division of Scientific Services located in Meriden, CT. 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
  • Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees
  • The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • This position is full time, following a first shift schedule, 40 hours per week, and Monday through Friday.
  • As a general recruitment, the Chemist 2 will work within the Forensic Biology/DNA section.
  • In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside other lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners, as needed.
  • The successful candidate will possess knowledge of modern methods utilized in forensic analyses, applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials, and laboratory instrumentation for forensic sequencing. 
  • The successful candidate will also possess strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to conduct laboratory analysis, utilize computer software, and act as an expert witness in a court of law.
      ABOUT US 
      The DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.

      1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence
      • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
      • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
      • Constantly seeking better results
      2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility
      • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
      • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
      • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges
      3. Ethics and Accountability
      • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
      • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
      • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
      • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways
      The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:
      • Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry
      • Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling
      • Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis
      In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:
      • Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards
      • Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions
      Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.

      For an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!

      Selection Plan

      FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

      Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

      BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

      • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 
      • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
      • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
      • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
      • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
      • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
      • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

      AFTER YOU APPLY: 

      • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
      • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
      • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
      • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. 
      • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
      • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
        DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION:
        Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview: 

        State Employees:
        • Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
        • Completed CT-HR-13
        • Cover letter
        • A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
        Non-State Employees:
        • Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)
        • Completed CT-HR-13
        • Cover letter
        • A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
          Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process. 

          Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field. 

          QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

          Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alejandro G. Dávila-Hurtado at Alejandro.Davila-Hurtado@CT.Gov. 


          Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence! 

          PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

          In the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation this class is accountable for independently performing the full range of chemical and/or toxicological examinations and analyses.

          EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

          The Chemist 2 will play a key role within the laboratory and will be responsible for a broad range of technical, operational, and administrative duties, including:
          • Calibrating instruments and preparing and standardizing solutions and reagents;
          • Providing technical guidance, training, and support to personnel and stakeholders;
          • Utilizing aseptic laboratory precautions;
          • Utilizing computers to operate and maintain instrumentation, quality assurance data and test results;
          • Preparing comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and official correspondence;
          • Participating in the implementation of quality assurance programs;
          • Performing analyses of physical evidence and human specimens resulting from criminal cases;
          • Designing and conducting validation studies;
          • Coordinating and developing training for new technologies and protocols;
          • Contributing to building and facility security as part of laboratory operations;
          • Representing the laboratory as a scientific expert in court and before legislative bodies;
          • Performing related duties as required.

          KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

          • Considerable knowledge of
            • organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry including equipment, instrumentation and material;
            • tests and techniques employed in field of chemistry;
          • Knowledge of
            • radiochemistry and occupational hygiene;
            • laboratory quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures;
            • universal laboratory precautions;
            • laboratory hazards and safety;
          • Considerable skill in performance of analytical tests in field of chemistry;
          • Skills
            • interpersonal skills;
            • oral and written communication skills;
            • in data collection, analysis, and interpretation;
          • Ability to utilize computer software.

          MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

          Six (6) years of experience in an industrial, public health, toxicology, medical or materials laboratory involving scientific work in the field of chemistry.

          MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

          One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the junior working level in the field of chemistry. 

          NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Chemist 1.

          MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

          • College training in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
          • A Master's degree in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

          PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

          • Experience with aseptic techniques in a laboratory or controlled environment;
          • Experience with analytical instrumentation, including Illumina sequencing platforms;
          • Experience with designing and conducting validation studies for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods;
          • Experience with developing and delivering training in group settings, including creation of training materials; and
          • Experience with independently prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple assignments to meet established deadlines.

          SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

          • Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests and immunizations for communicable diseases.
          • Incumbents in this class may be required to have specific education and/or experience to meet the various certification and/or licensing requirements.
          • Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.

          WORKING CONDITIONS

          Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

          Conclusion

          AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

          The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

          ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

          As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


          Click on a link below to apply for this position:

          Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.


          E-mailPhone: (860) 713-52058am - 4:30pm M-FPowered by JobAps