Statewide

State of Michigan•Statewide, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for evaluating and examining forensic evidence in connection with criminal cases, specifically in the area of fingerprint evidence. Duties include testifying in court, conducting crime scene investigations, and supporting the validation of new methods, equipment, and instruments. The role involves direct training by a senior-level scientist or manager until full competency is achieved. The position requires competent evaluations of submitted fingerprint evidence, collection of latent fingerprints through lifting, casting, and/or photography, comparison of latent prints to known standards, and identification of unknown deceased persons. A variety of processing techniques and forensic light sources may be used to develop latent fingerprints on submitted evidence. All duties must be performed in a bias-free manner. The Michigan State Police is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and seeks individuals who reflect the communities served and share a commitment to equity and inclusion. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is a full-service policing agency with statewide jurisdiction, providing over 60 different services.

Requirements

Possession of a bachelor's degree in forensic science, natural science, or a related pure or applied science.
For Forensic Scientist 9: No specific type or amount of experience is required.
For Forensic Scientist 10: One year of professional experience working in a crime laboratory carrying out a variety of tests, analyses or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical, biological or physical evidence samples, specimens, or products equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 9.
For Forensic Scientist P11: Two years of professional experience working in a crime laboratory carrying out a variety of tests, analyses or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical, biological or physical evidence samples, specimens, or products equivalent to a Forensic Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 10.
A visual acuity test will be given as part of the interview process.
Passing a pre-employment screening, including passing a drug screen, criminal history background check, and a fingerprint check by the Michigan State Police.
Submission of a DNA sample for inclusion into the DNA Quality Index as a condition of employment.
Experience as a latent print examiner.
Use and knowledge of forensic latent prints laboratory instrumentation.
Court testimony experience.
Experience with forensic laboratory evidence handling procedures.
Possession of a bachelor’s degree with a major in natural science, criminal justice, forensic science, or a related pure or applied science.
At least 8 semester credits in chemistry.

Nice To Haves

Individuals possessing a bachelor’s degree with a qualifying major but not completing 8 semester credits in chemistry may be appointed provided they attain the required semester credits in chemistry by the end of the second year of employment within the specialty area.

Responsibilities

Evaluating and examining forensic evidence in connection with criminal cases in the area of fingerprint evidence.
Testifying in court.
Conducting crime scene investigations.
Supporting the validation of new methods, equipment, and instruments.
Receiving direct training by a senior-level scientist or manager until fully competent.
Making competent evaluations of fingerprint evidence submitted to the laboratory.
Collecting latent fingerprints by lifting, casting, and/or photography.
Comparing latent prints to known standards.
Identifying unknown deceased persons.
Using a variety of processing techniques and forensic light sources on submitted evidence to develop latent fingerprints.
Performing all duties in a bias-free manner.