Laboratory Assistant, Biology Unit, Grade 14
Montgomery County (MD), Gaithersburg, MD, United States
The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $53,567 per year to $82,745 per year, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
WHO WE ARE
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 800 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 entry-level laboratory assistant to serve in the Forensic Biology 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.
Position Requirements
Please see below required and preferred criteria for each level and be certain to address all required and preferred criteria for the level to which you are applying.
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.
The Laboratory Assistant provides critical technical and administrative support to the Forensic Biology Unit. This role assists Forensic Scientists in analyzing biological samples using advanced robotic and instrumental techniques. Key responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment, managing QA/QC protocols, and ensuring the integrity of evidence through proper preservation and inventory control.
Key Responsibilities
Operate robotic workstations and scientific instrumentation to assist with sample analysis
Quality assurance/quality control activities
Perform routine maintenance on instruments and lab equipment
Prepare Chemical Reagents
Transport evidence
Manage evidence preservation, supply ordering, and inventory database management
Provide expert court testimony regarding laboratory procedures and analyses as required
Testify in court regarding these duties
Work of a forensic laboratory assistant involves prolonged periods of standing and bending while assisting with analyses, as well as lifting and carrying objects weighing twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds. All laboratory assistant work requires sufficient hand dexterity to collect, examine, and process physical evidence.
Applicants must have the ability to:
Pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the MCPD.
(8 week process)
Pass a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen.
Experience
One (1) year of experience working in a laboratory environment.
Education
Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland
Equivalency
None
LICENSE
Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s State of residence.
Preferred Experience
Experience working in an ISO accredited forensic or DNA laboratory.
Experience with operating liquid handling robotic platforms/instruments.
Experience handling minute biological samples and practicing contamination prevention techniques.
Experience conducting quality assurance/quality control activities, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
30 college credits (equal to one year of academic study) with classes in natural, physical, or forensic science
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WHO WE ARE
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 800 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 entry-level laboratory assistant to serve in the Forensic Biology 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.
Position Requirements
Please see below required and preferred criteria for each level and be certain to address all required and preferred criteria for the level to which you are applying.
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.
The Laboratory Assistant provides critical technical and administrative support to the Forensic Biology Unit. This role assists Forensic Scientists in analyzing biological samples using advanced robotic and instrumental techniques. Key responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment, managing QA/QC protocols, and ensuring the integrity of evidence through proper preservation and inventory control.
Key Responsibilities
Operate robotic workstations and scientific instrumentation to assist with sample analysis
Quality assurance/quality control activities
Perform routine maintenance on instruments and lab equipment
Prepare Chemical Reagents
Transport evidence
Manage evidence preservation, supply ordering, and inventory database management
Provide expert court testimony regarding laboratory procedures and analyses as required
Testify in court regarding these duties
Work of a forensic laboratory assistant involves prolonged periods of standing and bending while assisting with analyses, as well as lifting and carrying objects weighing twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds. All laboratory assistant work requires sufficient hand dexterity to collect, examine, and process physical evidence.
Applicants must have the ability to:
Pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the MCPD.
(8 week process)
Pass a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen.
Experience
One (1) year of experience working in a laboratory environment.
Education
Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland
Equivalency
None
LICENSE
Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s State of residence.
Preferred Experience
Experience working in an ISO accredited forensic or DNA laboratory.
Experience with operating liquid handling robotic platforms/instruments.
Experience handling minute biological samples and practicing contamination prevention techniques.
Experience conducting quality assurance/quality control activities, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
30 college credits (equal to one year of academic study) with classes in natural, physical, or forensic science
#J-18808-Ljbffr