Crime Lab Scientist ; Chemistry

this a sensitive government position

please review the gbi employment disqualifiers before applying for this position. Employment for the selected candidate(s) is contingent upon the successful completion of a gbi background investigation including criminal, credit and driver's history checks, polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening.

the gbi follows the federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the gbi.

the division of forensic sciences within the georgia bureau of investigation (gbi) is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill crime lab scientist vacancies in the chemistry department. Applicants selected for employment will be offered a position at the following crime laboratories as the final work location:

• southwestern lab – moultrie, ga
• headquarters – decatur, ga
• northeastern lab – cleveland, ga
• western lab – midland, ga
• coastal lab – pooler, ga
• central lab – dry branch, ga
• eastern lab – augusta, ga

applicants must select and rank their geographic location preference(s) by answering the supplemental questions during the application process.

please note: some positions/locations listed in this announcement are not currently open. However, we are building a pool of qualified applicants. Apply now to be considered when opportunities become available.

all applicants must download, complete, and upload the pre-employment questionnaire. Failure to complete and upload the pre-employment questionnaire will result in your application being rejected. Click the following link to download the questionnaire: pre-employment questionnaire.

only qualified applicants who complete and submit the state of georgia application and pre-employment questionnaire will receive an email notification with a link to schedule a test appointment.

applicants graduating in may 2026 are encouraged to apply.

under immediate or limited supervision perform laboratory examinations, scientific analysis and comparisons on physical evidence submitted by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for investigative and legal purposes.

• collect, identify, classify and analyze physical evidence.
• document findings.
• testify in court.
• perform repetitive movement.
• stand or sit for long periods of time.
• use highly technical equipment.
• work assigned hours.

the primary function of the chemistry section is to analyze items of evidence to determine the presence or absence of controlled substances. Chemists analyze suspected drugs and fire debris, provide expert testimony to the courts, supply the courts and other state agencies with factual drug information, and provide information to the general public and news media about drug abuse. Additionally, a team of scientists is trained to assist police officers in clandestine laboratory seizures as well as educate law enforcement.

for additional information on the chemistry section, please visit the gbi website.

bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an accredited college or university.

or

a forensic science degree, which included the successful completion of at least 40 semester (or 60 quarter) hours of chemistry coursework.

• successful completion is considered a "c" or better in coursework.

you must upload a college transcript with your online application.

• transcripts must be in a word document or pdf.
• no photos, jpeg files, or screenshots allowed.

transcripts can be unofficial for the application process. If currently enrolled in college, your transcript should include all courses that you are currently enrolled in.

the incumbent will occasionally be required to stand, walk, reach, carry with hands and arms, stoop and kneel. Frequent light lifting and/or moving 10 lbs of evidence kits or supplies unassisted is required.

these positions require the incumbent to work in a laboratory setting…