Forensic Scientist Trainee

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 47,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Forensic Services in Harrisburg seeks a Forensic Scientist Trainee to learn advanced laboratory techniques while supporting investigations and court proceedings.

You will perform qualitative and quantitative testing on trace evidence and drugs, gain hands-on experience in physical, chemical, and instrumental analyses, and maintain precise case documentation under safety and CJIS requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or closely related science.
• Education within 3 months of graduating qualifies you for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Analysis: Conduct qualitative and quantitative testing on trace evidence and drug samples using approved methods.
• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in physical, chemical, and instrumental examination techniques during structured training.
• Documentation Accuracy: Maintain complete and precise records of all testing procedures and results in case files.
• Evidence Handling: Follow proper techniques for collecting, preserving, and receiving evidence to support courtroom readiness.
• Policy Compliance: Follow safety, quality assurance, and procedural standards outlined by the Pennsylvania State Police.
• Courtroom Support: Provide expert testimony on analytical methods, chain of custody, and examination results when required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science

16 college credits in chemistry

Job description

As a Forensic Scientist Trainee with the Bureau of Forensic Services, Harrisburg Regional Laboratory, you will take part in work that supports justice across the Commonwealth. This role gives you the opportunity to learn advanced laboratory techniques while developing confidence in real forensic tasks. You will be part of a dedicated group that works to uncover facts and support investigations. Step into a role that lets you build your future while making a positive impact.

This role introduces you to laboratory practices used to examine trace evidence and controlled substances. You will learn essential skills that support accurate testing, clear reporting, and proper handling of evidence. As a Forensic Scientist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Laboratory Analysis: Conduct qualitative and quantitative testing on trace evidence and drug samples using approved scientific methods
• Skill Development: Gain hand-on experience in physical, chemical, and instrumental examination techniques during structured training
• Documentation Accuracy: Maintain complete and precise records of all testing procedures and results in case files
• Evidence Handling: Follow proper techniques for collecting, preserving, and receiving evidence to support courtroom readiness
• Policy Compliance: Follow all safety, quality assurance, and procedural standards outlined by the Pennsylvania State Police
• Courtroom Support: Provide expert testimony on analytical methods, chain of custody, and examination results when required

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• 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 Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

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:

• 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.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

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.