TBI FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1** - 10072026-81583

State of Tennessee; Jackson (TN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee is hiring a Forensic Scientist 1/2 level position to perform laboratory analyses on evidence for criminal investigations at the Jackson Crime Laboratory. The incumbent will generate objective laboratory reports and may testify as an expert witness in court, under supervision as proficiency grows.

The role requires a chemistry or forensic science degree, completion of a background check, and willingness to travel for pre-employment processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related sciences with coursework in chemistry/forensic science.
• Transcript with chemistry credits must be uploaded with application for eligibility evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes physical/biological evidence to generate lab reports for investigations.
• Evaluates unknown forensic evidence against reference standards/databases (AFIS, CODIS, NIBIN).
• Demonstrates proficiency through competency tests and mock court settings.
• Maintains instrument quality control and lab integrity.
• Uses LIMS to review cases, track evidence, and enter results.
• Testifies as an expert witness and documents forensic findings in reports.

Skills

Writing

Quality Control Analysis

Science

Reading Comprehension

Learning Strategies

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related sciences

Tools

LIS/Forensic Databases

Hand Tools

Lab Equipment

Computers

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 10/07/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 10/07/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time 10/13/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly) $5,703.00 - $9,095.00
Salary (Annually) $68,436.00 - $109,140.00
Job Type Full-Time
City, State Location Jackson, TN
Department Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (T.B.I.)
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), MADISON COUNTY
Forensic Services Division - Forensic Biology Unit.
This position is located at the TBI Jackson Crime Laboratory.
For More Information, Visit The Link Below
https://www.tbijobs.com/

Qualifications

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other natural or physical sciences; forensic science, or other forensic related areas; including a minimum of thirty-six progressive quarter hours (twenty-four semester hours) in chemistry or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related coursework.

A transcript with all chemistry credits or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency can properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.

Applicants For This Class Must

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.
• Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority.
• Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment.
• Participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.

Overview

This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests such as analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of a criminal investigation; composes technical laboratory reports describing the results of tests; and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness. An incumbent in this classification performs duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As experience and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.

• An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Forensic Scientist 2*; `unacceptable' or `needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes or assists in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Evaluates and compares unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases [e.g., Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)] to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Demonstrates and articulates knowledge and proficiency in methodology for the assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question and answer sessions, mock cases, and mock court settings.
• Assists with discipline specific instrument maintenance and quality control duties to ensure the integrity of testing results.
• Uses the laboratory information system to review case information, track evidence, enter results, and generate reports.
• Documents, processes, and preserves forensic evidence in the laboratory for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Testifies and/or consults as an expert witness for judicial proceedings to communicate laboratory results.
• Performs technical and administrative peer reviews of forensic casework to ensure accuracy of testing results and compliance with laboratory and discipline specific policies.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies

• Decision Quality
• Nimble Learning
• Plans and Aligns
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust

Knowledges

• Law and Government
• Chemistry
• Biology

Skills

• Writing
• Quality Control Analysis
• Science
• Reading Comprehension
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Deductive Reasoning

Tools & Equipment

• Laboratory Information System and Forensic Databases
• Hand Tools
• Scientific Laboratory Equipment
• Computers

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

• Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.