FORENSIC SCIENTIST II- Chemistry/Drug

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Forensic Services seeks a detail‑oriented Forensic Scientist II to perform exams on controlled substances, cannabis, and related evidence in the Drug Chemistry Section. Under general supervision, you will also review peers' work and prepare statistical summaries of casework.

Location can be in Chicago or Joliet, IL. This role requires a bachelor’s degree in natural or forensic science and a minimum of three years of professional forensic experience.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in natural science or forensic science with chemistry coursework (60 hours).
• Requires three years of professional forensic science work.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and complex forensic analyses/examinations of controlled substances, cannabis, intoxicating compounds, and related evidence.
• Technically reviews peers' case files and reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepares statistical summaries of cases and related activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Court testimony experience

Literature review

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural science or forensic science

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59025
Opening Date:10/15/2026
Closing Date:11/02/2026
Agency:Illinois State Police
Class Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST II (15892)
Skill Option:Chemistry - Drug / Microscopy / Toxicology / Trace Discipline
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 monthly; Full Range $6,820-$9,875 monthly
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:12
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability:4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location:1941 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, Illinois, 60608-1248 or 515 Woodruff Rd., Joliet, Illinois, 60432
Work County:Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Position Overview:

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Forensic Services is seeking a detail‑oriented and service‑focused Forensic Scientist II to join our team. Under general supervision, this position independently performs both routine and complex forensic examinations of controlled substances, cannabis, intoxicating compounds, and related evidence within the Drug Chemistry Section. The role includes conducting technical reviews of peers’ case files and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness. It also supports supervisory staff by preparing statistical summaries of casework and related activities. To maintain and advance professional expertise, the incumbent actively reviews current forensic literature and developments within the field. The work location for this position will either be 1941 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, or 515 Woodruff Rd., Joliet. 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

• Under general supervision, independently conducts both routine and complex forensic analyses/examinations of controlled substances, cannabis, intoxicating compounds, and related evidence in the Drug Chemistry Section.
• Technically reviews casefiles and reports of peers for accuracy and completeness.
• Assists the supervisor by preparing statistical reports on cases worked and related activities.
• Continues to develop as a forensic scientist by reviewing pertinent literature to keep abreast of all current information in the field.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in natural science or forensic science including a minimum of 20 semester hours of coursework in chemistry with a total of 60 semester hours of coursework in natural science.
• Requires three (3) years of professional forensic science work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional work experience in performing specialized and sensitive physical evidence examination of forensic Drug Chemistry cases in an accurate and progressive manner.
• 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, and conclusions of scientific examinations in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in testifying in court as both an expert and rebuttal witness.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of knowledge 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 one (1) year of work experience in performing literature search and other scientific research related to forensic science.

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).