Forensic Biologist I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky - Kentucky State Police in Frankfort, KY is seeking a Forensic Biologist I. Salary is $50,000 annually with full-time status and overtime eligibility. The role involves serological analysis, DNA casework, or DNA database work, with a one-year training program.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a biological or forensic science. Duties include analysis, reporting, testimony, and securing evidence, with a probationary period of 12 months.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a biological science, forensic science, or a related field.
• Experience, training, or skills: NONE.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes unknown and known substances submitted by law enforcement agencies and associated entities to determine properties or identity.
• Receives specialized training in designated forensic disciplines.
• Compiles and reviews laboratory reports regarding analysis of submitted evidence.
• Reviews work-related literature such as books, journals, periodicals and notes.
• Attends safety meetings and other work-related meetings.
• Receives and maintains security of physical evidence until returned to submitting agency.
• Provides expert testimony throughout the Commonwealth pertaining to forensic analysis and reports.
• Maintains laboratory instrumentation.
• Responds to crime scenes as needed and participates in other work-related details.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong written and verbal comms

Ability to multi-task

Strong problem solver

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences/forensic science or related field

Job description

Advertisement Closes 9/24/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Forensic Biologist I

Pay Grade: 14

Salary: $50,000.00 Annually

Employment Type: EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Hiring Agency: Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Kentucky State Police

Location: 100 Sower Blvd Suite 102, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Kentucky State Police is the premier, full-service law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.With the highest level of professionalism and integrity the Kentucky State Police works to prevent, reduce,and deter crime and the fear of crime; enhance highway safety through education and enforcement; protect andsafeguard individual rights; and provide leadership, training, technical, and operational support to thecriminal justice community.

Forensic Biologists will be hired for Serological Analysis, DNA Casework, or DNA Database. Serologicalanalysts screen evidence for the presence of blood, semen, and saliva. If found, the serologist will take asample and forward it for DNA analysis. DNA Casework analysts will process the positive serological samplesfor DNA. The DNA Database analyst will process DNA profiles of convicted offenders to be entered into adatabase which can be searched to link DNA profiles to other crimes providing investigative leads. Thetraining program lasts approximately one year and includes reading assignments, practical examinations, mocktrials for testimony, and competency exams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyzes unknown and known substances submitted by law enforcement agencies and associated entities todetermine properties, and, or, identity of the substance and make comparisons to known standards.
• Receives specialized training in designated forensic disciplines.
• Compiles and reviews laboratory reports regarding analysis of submitted evidence.
• Reviews work-related literature such as books, journals, periodicals and notes.
• Attends safety meetings and other work-related meetings.
• Receives and maintains security of physical evidence until returned to submitting agency.
• Provides expert testimony throughout the Commonwealth pertaining to forensic analysis and reports.
• Maintains laboratory instrumentation.
• Responds to crime scenes as needed and participates in other work-related special details.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong problem solver

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science, forensic science, or a related science field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Incumbents in this classification will typically perform their job duties in a forensic laboratory setting. May have some contact with contagious diseases and, or, body fluids or regular exposure to noxious odors, chemical substances, and biohazardous compounds, which may require the following of safety procedures. Regular handling of sharp surgical instruments.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 12 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Davey McCann at [e-mail]

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D