Forensic Scientist Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Bethlehem Regional Laboratory is seeking a Forensic Scientist Trainee to gain hands-on experience in biological evidence testing, hair identification, documentation, and courtroom procedures under supervision.

You will train with experts, perform serology testing, maintain detailed case records, and participate in mock trials to build competency while supporting ongoing laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must meet PA residency requirement.

Responsibilities

• Serology testing under supervision and reports based on examination results.
• Develop skills in analyzing fluids and hairs and in preparing clear reports for court use.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of testing procedures and results.
• Conduct supervised examinations of hairs and report findings to requesting agencies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or closely related physical or natural science

Within 3 months of graduating with qualifying degree

Job description

THE POSITION

Step into an exciting role as a Forensic Scientist Trainee with the Bureau of Forensic Services, Bethlehem Regional Laboratory. This position gives you the chance to learn hands‑on forensic skills that support important investigative work. You will have the opportunity to train with experts, analyze evidence, and gain experience that helps build a strong foundation for your career. Join a team that supports justice through careful scientific work.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position participates in structured forensic training that builds skills in biological evidence testing, hair identification, documentation, and courtroom procedures. It supports laboratory operations while developing the technical abilities needed for future independent work. As a Forensic Scientist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Serology Testing: Perform biological fluid testing under supervision and prepare reports based on examination results
• Training Participation: Develop skills in analyzing fluids and hairs and in preparing clear reports for court use
• Case Documentation: Maintain detailed and accurate records of testing procedures and results
• Hair Identification: Conduct supervised examinations of hairs and report findings to requesting agencies
• Evidence Handling: Learn correct techniques for collecting, preserving, and managing physical evidence
• Competency Development: Complete required testing and take part in mock trial activities to demonstrate proficiency

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 8:15 AM to 4:15 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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.