Chemistry Technician

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Chemistry Technician to support DNA laboratory operations within the Pennsylvania State Police. You will perform quality assurance tasks, prepare reagents, handle samples, monitor equipment, verify vendor work, and assist with daily lab operations to ensure accurate results.

The role is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with hours 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, and no telework option.

Qualifications

• Completion of 60 college credits including nine credits in chemistry.
• Must meet PA residency requirements and perform essential job functions.
• Background check and CJIS compliance required.

Responsibilities

• Quality Assurance: maintain documentation and follow forensic standards
• Reagent Preparation: prepare solutions and manage chemicals inventory
• Sample Handling: receive, log, barcode, and prep items for processing
• Equipment Monitoring: check temperature-sensitive instruments and maintain work areas
• Vendor Verification: confirm calibrations and repairs and document results
• Laboratory Support: perform data calculations and update solution protocols

Education

60 college credits including nine credits in chemistry

Job description

Are you ready to apply your scientific skills toward meaningful work that directly impacts the communities we serve? As a Chemistry Technician with the Pennsylvania State Police, you will support important laboratory work that strengthens public safety. This role allows you to work with scientific tools, maintain critical equipment, and help ensure accurate laboratory processes. You will take part in activities that help produce reliable results and maintain high-quality standards. If you enjoy detailed tasks and scientific work, this position offers a rewarding opportunity.

This position supports key functions in a DNA laboratory by assisting with equipment maintenance, quality control tasks, and sample handling. The role focuses on performing laboratory support work with accuracy, responsibility, and attention to detail. As a Chemistry Technician, you will perform the following duties:

• Quality Assurance: Carry out maintenance checks, complete documentation, and follow established forensic standards
• Reagent Preparation: Prepare solutions, verify accuracy of materials, and maintain inventory of chemicals and supplies
• Sample Handling: Receive samples, log information, assign barcodes, and prepare items for processing and storage
• Equipment Monitoring: Check temperature-sensitive instruments, clean work areas, and prepare waste for proper disposal
• Vendor Verification: Confirm calibrations and repairs completed by vendors and document results for laboratory records
• Laboratory Support: Perform data calculations, update solution protocols, and complete tasks required for daily DNA lab operations

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirement:

• Completion of 60 college credits including nine credits in chemistry.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a report of medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.