Forensic Scientist III-Biology/DNA-Joliet

State of Illinois•Joliet, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is seeking to fill the role of Forensic Scientist III within the Division of Forensic Services. Under general supervision, the Forensic Scientist serves as an advanced laboratory specialist performing forensic biology and DNA analyses on evidence involving blood, physiological fluids, physical matches, blood spatter interpretation, and stab hole interpretation. The position is responsible for receiving and processing evidence, conducting administrative duties, and performing routine maintenance of section instruments. The Forensic Scientist provides established training to trainees, fellow scientists, and evidence technicians in evidence handling, analytical procedures, report writing, and courtroom testimony, and trains user agencies in proper evidence collection and preservation. This role includes ongoing professional development through review of current scientific literature to maintain expertise in biological evidence analysis. ISP encourages all those who qualify to apply! The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including: Health, life, vision, and dental insurance. 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave. Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs. Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually. Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service. Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date. Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelors degree in natural science or forensic science. Option C requires, in addition to the bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science requirement, successful completion of coursework of nine (9) semester hours in the three DNA class requirements of genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology with a total of sixty semester hours of natural science.
Requires five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience.
Successful completion of background investigation.
Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
Successful completion of all required competency tests to be authorized to perform the duties of a forensic scientist.
Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards, policies, and procedures.
Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
Ability to maintain proficiency in forensic science casework.
Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.

Nice To Haves

Prefers a Master's or PhD degree with coursework in one of the biological, physical, natural or forensic sciences or related disciplines.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in applying Forensic Biology/Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) laboratory principles and techniques in an accurate and progressive manner for efficient disposition of forensic casework.
Prefers coursework and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience screening, comparing, and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in communicating thoughts, interpretations of scientific examinations, and conclusions in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience constructing court exhibits or demonstration charts and testifying in court as an expert witness, with proper courtroom demeanor.
Prefers at least two (2) years of work experience in coordinating the activities of a small group or staff.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, serves as an advanced laboratory specialist performing forensic biology and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) laboratory analysis/examinations of evidence related to blood, physiological fluids, physical match, blood spatter interpretation, and stab hole interpretation.
Receives potential evidence from user agency personnel.
Performs administrative duties including maintenance of the section and assigned instruments.
Provides established training techniques to forensic scientist trainees, forensic scientists, and/or evidence technicians in Forensic Biology/DNA Section as it relates to evidence handling, analyses, report writing, and court testimony.
Provides training for user agency personnel in the proper methods of collection and preservation of physical evidence.
Reviews current literature to maintain expertise and keep abreast of current procedures and techniques used in the analysis of biological evidence.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.