Senior Forensic Scientist - Latent Prints

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago is seeking a Senior Forensic Scientist specialized in latent prints for the Chicago Police Department. The role conducts independent scientific examinations, reviews case work, and provides technical support across the Forensic Services Unit.

Location is Chicago, with a 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM or 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM shift. Requires a Bachelor’s in Forensic Science or related field, plus experience and latent prints certification. Starting salary is $81,636 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science or related field.
• Two years of work experience in forensic analysis/science.
• Latent print certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent scientific examinations in a specialized Forensics area.
• Review case evaluations prepared by Forensic Scientists.
• Provide technical assistance to forensic staff and department members.
• Handle, preserve, and submit physical evidence for investigations.
• Conduct analyses on evidentiary materials and interpret results.

Skills

Bachelor's degree prerequisite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science/related field

Master's degree in Forensic Science/related field +1 year experience

Tools

IAI Latent Prints Certification

Job description

Senior Forensic Scientist - Latent Prints

Job Number: 420089-1

Chicago Police Department

Bureau of Detectives/Forensic Services Unit

Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $81,636

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.

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 11/04/26

Under supervision, the class works in a specialized unit within the Chicago Police Department's Forensic Laboratory (e.g., latent print development/examination, evidence examination, firearms and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime investigations; and performs related duties as required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Performs independent scientific examinations in a specialized area of Forensics
• Performs preliminary reviews of case evaluations completed by Forensic Scientists
• Provides technical assistance to Forensic Scientists and other departmental members
• Receives, collects, and preserves, physical evidence submitted to the Forensic laboratory associated with criminal investigations
• Applies scientific principles to identify and classify items received in the laboratory (e.g., hair, skin, tissues, blood, bones, bullets, shells, weapons, etc.)
• Conducts chemical analyses of evidentiary materials (e.g., blood, fibers, tool marks, body fluids)
• Conducts tests on physical items using various methods and scientific tools (e.g., visual examinations, instrumental analysis, presumptive evaluations, enhancement techniques, extractions, quantifications, microscopic techniques, comparative examinations)
• Analyzes chemical and physical substances, materials, liquids, or other physical evidence and prepares chemical reagents within assigned forensic discipline
• Uses photographic equipment to enhance evidence through digital imaging and post processing
• Identifies and reaches scientific conclusions supported by data and observations
• Communicates findings and conclusions with departmental members
• Prepares technical reports or presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions and prepares results for court of other formal hearings
• Performs audits of chemicals, equipment and laboratory supplies
• Maintains compliance with accreditation standards, laboratory and departmental procedures and methods
• Attends seminars and reviews published materials to remain abreast of new technology and new applications in the area of forensic analysis
• Maintains the laboratory in a clean and orderly manner
• Performs basic maintenance, calibration and quality control on scientific instruments
• Conducts regular performance monitoring, including proficiency and competency testing, as required
• Testifies as an expert witness on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and federal levels
• Trains new Forensic Scientists in a primary forensic sub-discipline
• Confers with senior level scientists on case investigations
• Assists in training Forensic Scientists in the methods of analysis, collection methods and preservation techniques

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location: Bureau of Detectives / Forensic Services Unit

Address: 3340 W. Fillmore, Chicago, IL 60624

Days: Monday-Friday

Days off: Saturday and Sunday

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

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

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 two (2) 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 one (1) year 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, OR

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional standing
• Frequent Hand/Eye coordination to operate laboratory instruments and other technical instruments
• Occasional Visual acuity correctable to 20/40 with no color impairment to interpret data
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) is required

The Chicago Police Department may request that successful candidates pass a drug screen and background investigation. Persons offered employment must pass all pre-employment exams prior to appointment.

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.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/Classification_and_Pay_Plan_2026.pdf

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial

Evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Job Posting

Oct 21, 2026, 2:54:27 PM

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

Nov 5, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Salary

Salary: $81,636

Pay Basis: Yearly