LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

NCSL International; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Police Department seeks a Lead Forensic Scientist in Latent Prints to supervise and participate in the scientific analysis of evidence for criminal investigations. This role will supervise staff, guide testing, and ensure accurate reporting for court presentations.

Located in Chicago, IL, the position requires advanced certification and leadership in a high‑volume lab setting, with shifts Mon–Fri and potential for budgeted expansion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Forensic Science or related field and 4 years of forensic experience.
• Master's degree with 3 years of forensic experience accepted as alternative.
• Latent Print Unit requires IAI Certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees receipt, collection, and preservation of evidence in the Forensic Laboratory.
• Distributes staff work assignments for completeness and accuracy.
• Performs independent casework in a primary forensic discipline and writes reports.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science or related field

Master's degree in Forensic Science or related field

Tools

IAI Latent Prints Certification

Job description

Description

JOB/BID ANNOUNCEMENT

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST-LATENT PRINTS

CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Bureau of Detectives/ Forensic Services Division/Latent Print Examination Section

Number of Positions: 2 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $90,144

Applications for this position will be accepted from 12:00am CDT 10/16/2026 until 11:59pm CDT on 10/30/2026

This position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) - BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Under general supervision, this is the technical specialist, lead classification in the series. Positions in this class title will be assigned to a specialized unit(s) within the Chicago Police Department’s Forensic Laboratory (e.g., latent print development/examination, evidence examination, firearms and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and participates in scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime investigations; and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Oversees the receipt, collection, and preservation of physical evidence submitted to the Forensic laboratory associated with criminal investigations
• Distributes and monitors staff work assignments for completeness and accuracy
• Writes and drafts discipline specific policies, procedures, and methods
• Performs independent casework and evaluations in a primary forensic discipline
• Performs complex evaluations and testing by applying scientific principles to identify and classify items received in the laboratory (e.g., hair, skin, tissues, blood, bones, bullets, shells, weapons, etc.)
• Conducts and oversees the chemical analyses of evidentiary materials (e.g., blood, fibers, tool marks, body fluids, etc.)
• Analyzes chemical and physical substances, materials, liquids, or other physical evidence and prepares chemical reagents within assigned forensic discipline
• Identifies and reaches scientific conclusions supported by data and observations
• Oversees and prepares reports or presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions and prepares results for court of other formal hearings
• Maintains compliance with accreditation standards, laboratory and departmental protocol and procedures
• Prepares reports for inclusion in grant applications
• Trains Forensic Scientists in a specialized forensic discipline including procedures, practices, and methods (e.g., develops and administers competency and proficiency tests, evaluates work performance; and develops individualized training programs, identifies corrective and preventive action plans)
• Evaluates and recommends new equipment and laboratory processes
• Testifies as an expert witness in court on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and federal levels
• Performs audits of evidence storage and chain of custody for evidence in the laboratory and of chemicals, equipment, and laboratory supplies
• Generates statistical, activity, and performance reports and metrics
• Evaluates, identifies, recommends and orders new equipment and laboratory supplies
• Stays abreast of advancements in the field (e.g., attending seminars, researching and reviewing published materials, etc.)
• Oversees and participates in the maintenance of the laboratory instruments (e.g., basic maintenance, calibration and quality control on scientific instruments)
• Develops research studies, design and conduct validation studies and participates in research and outreach, as assigned
• Assists in grant writing for needs specific to a specialized forensic unit

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Location: 3340 W Filmore, Chicago, Il 60624

Days: Monday through Friday

Hours: 6:00AM to 2:00PM OR 2:00PM-10:00PM

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, or a directly related field of science, plus four (4) years of work experience in an area of forensic analysis and/or science, OR

Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, or a directly related field, plus three (3) years of work experience in an area of forensic analysis and/or science

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

Positions assigned to the below forensic disciplines require the following professional certification:

• Latent Print Unit - must possess or be able to obtain International Association for Identification (IAI) Certification for latent prints within six (6) months of hire

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.

Considerable knowledge of:

• *forensic investigative methods, techniques and practices
• *evidence protection, recovery, and preservation techniques
• *scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination
• *safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory
• *chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations they undergo
• *use of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods

Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and ordinances

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor