Advanced Forensic Toxicology Scientist II

Soft Tox; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State Police are seeking a Forensic Scientist 2 to apply advanced toxicology analyses in a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory setting. The role emphasizes scientific judgment, data interpretation, and collaboration with investigations to deliver accurate analytical results.

The position involves handling sophisticated instrumentation (GC, LC-MS/MS, LC-qTOF) and contributing to quality assurance, method development, and potential expert testimony in court.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year as Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic DNA Scientist 1, or two years of professional lab work with a relevant bachelor’s degree including chemistry credits.

Responsibilities

• Receive and examine biological samples for forensic toxicological evaluation.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses for alcohol and drugs using specialized techniques.
• Operate GC, LC-MS/MS, and LC-qTOF instruments to complete testing tasks.
• Review chromatographic and mass spectral data to determine acceptability and significance of findings.
• Identify analytical issues that may influence testing outcomes.
• Participate in laboratory quality assurance, method development, and documentation.
• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings by explaining analytical methods and findings.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology/forensic science with 16 college chemistry credits

Tools

GC

LC-MS/MS

LC-qTOF

Job description

The Pennsylvania State Police are seeking a Forensic Scientist 2 to apply advanced toxicology analyses in a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory setting. The role emphasizes scientific judgment, data interpretation, and collaboration with investigations to deliver accurate analytical results.

The position involves handling sophisticated instrumentation (GC, LC-MS/MS, LC-qTOF) and contributing to quality assurance, method development, and potential expert testimony in court.