FORENSIC SCIENTIST II - Biology/DNA

SOCIETY OF FORENSIC TOXICOLOGISTS, INC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Pension Plan

Deferred Compensation

Paid sick days

Paid vacation days

Paid personal days

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services is seeking a detail‑oriented Forensic Scientist II to join our team. This role conducts forensic biology and DNA analyses on evidence involving blood and other physiological fluids, and supports equipment calibration, safety checks, and routine maintenance to ensure reliable laboratory operations.

The position participates in ongoing research and method development to advance forensic testing capabilities and encourages qualified applicants

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in natural science or forensic science with 9 semester hours in DNA coursework and 60 total semester hours in natural science.
• Requires three years of professional forensic science work experience.
• Preferred: Master's or PhD with coursework in biological/forensic sciences; statistics or population genetics coursework.

Responsibilities

• Conducts forensic biology and DNA analyses of evidence related to blood and other physiological fluids.
• Performs calibration, safety checks, and routine maintenance on section equipment.
• Assists with day-to-day operational needs of the Forensic Biology/DNA Section.
• Contributes to methods research and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including the duties enumerated above.

Skills

Forensic biology

DNA analysis

Calibrating equipment

Quality control

Court testimony

Oral & written communication

Statistics / population genetics

Education

Bachelor's in natural science or forensic science

Master's or PhD in related field

Job description

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Forensic Services is seeking a detail‑oriented and service‑focused Forensic Scientist II to join our team. This position conducts forensic biology and DNA analyses on evidence involving blood and other physiological fluids within the Forensic Biology/DNA Section. The role includes performing equipment calibrations, safety checks, and routine maintenance to ensure reliable laboratory operations. The incumbent supports the daily operational needs of the section and contributes to ongoing research and method development to advance forensic testing capabilities. ISP encourages all those who qualify to apply!

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
• Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger and something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule and flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Conducts forensic biology and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analyses/examinations of evidence related to blood and other physiological fluids in the Forensic Biology/DNA Section.
• Performs calibration, safety checks, and routine maintenance on section equipment.
• Assists with the day-to-day operational needs of the Forensic Biology/DNA Section.
• Assists in methods research and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required including but not limited to the duties
  enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in natural science or forensic science including successful completion of coursework of nine (9) semester hours in the three (3) DNA class requirements of genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology with a total of sixty (60) semester hours of natural science.
• Requires three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a Master's or PhD degree with coursework in one of the biological, physical, natural or forensic sciences or related disciplines.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in applying Forensic Biology/Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) laboratory principles and techniques in an accurate and progressive manner for efficient disposition of forensic casework.
• Prefers coursework and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience screening, comparing, and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in communicating thoughts, interpretations of scientific examinations, and conclusions in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience constructing court exhibits or demonstration charts and testifying in court as an expert witness, with proper courtroom demeanor.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of background investigation.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Successful completion of all required competency tests to be authorized to perform the duties of a forensic scientist.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards, policies, and procedures.
• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).