Forensic Scientist 2

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• One year as a Forensic Scientist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration)
• One year as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration)
• 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.
• Two years of full-time professional toxicology work experience performing instrumental analysis and forensic casework in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Receive and examine biological samples for forensic toxicological evaluation
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses for alcohol and drugs using specialized techniques and instrumentation
• 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
• Review complex chromatographic and mass spectral data to determine the acceptability and significance of laboratory findings
• Identify and assess analytical issues that may influence testing outcomes
• Participate in laboratory quality assurance tasks, method development, and documentation
• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings by explaining analytical methods, laboratory findings, quality assurance practices, and forensic toxicology principles

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level