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Soft Tox; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State Police are seeking a Forensic Scientist 2 to apply advanced toxicology analyses in a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory setting. The role emphasizes scientific judgment, data interpretation, and collaboration with investigations to deliver accurate analytical results.

The position involves handling sophisticated instrumentation (GC, LC-MS/MS, LC-qTOF) and contributing to quality assurance, method development, and potential expert testimony in court.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year as Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic DNA Scientist 1, or two years of professional lab work with a relevant bachelor’s degree including chemistry credits.

Responsibilities

• Receive and examine biological samples for forensic toxicological evaluation.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses for alcohol and drugs using specialized techniques.
• Operate GC, LC-MS/MS, and LC-qTOF instruments to complete testing tasks.
• Review chromatographic and mass spectral data to determine acceptability and significance of findings.
• Identify analytical issues that may influence testing outcomes.
• Participate in laboratory quality assurance, method development, and documentation.
• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings by explaining analytical methods and findings.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology/forensic science with 16 college chemistry credits

Tools

GC

LC-MS/MS

LC-qTOF

Job description

Join the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) as a Forensic Scientist 2 and take on work that places your scientific expertise at the center of major investigations. This role gives you the chance to apply advanced knowledge while working with state-of-the-art analytical technology. Each day brings meaningful challenges that let you demonstrate your experience and professional strength. Discover how your established skills can make a powerful impact in this important field.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on performing advanced toxicology analyses in a laboratory environment. You apply scientific judgment to evaluate evidence and support investigations with accurate analytical results. As a Forensic Scientist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Specimen Analysis:Receive and examine biological samples for forensic toxicological evaluation
• Analytical Testing:Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses for alcohol and drugs using specialized techniques and instrumentation
• Instrument Operation:Operate advanced analytical tools such as gas chromatograph (GC), liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS), and liquid chromatograph-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC-qTOF) to complete testing tasks
• Data Evaluation:Review complex chromatographic and mass spectral data to determine the acceptability and significance of laboratory findings
• Problem Investigation:Identify and assess analytical issues that may influence testing outcomes
• Quality Activities:Participate in laboratory quality assurance tasks, method development, and documentation
• Court Testiony:Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings by explaining analytical methods, laboratory findings, quality assurance practices, and forensic toxicology principles

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hour per week
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Forensic Scientist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration);or
• One year as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration);or
• Two years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical or biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence and 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.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires two years of full-time professional toxicology work experience performing instrumental analysis and forensic casework in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• 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.

In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, this position was previously posted for seniority candidates. Since there were no seniority candidates, it is now open to all applicants.

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.

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.