Forensic Scientist

forensic scientistchicago police departmentbureau of detectives/ forensic services unit

number of positions: 1 (additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

starting salary: $74,160

applications for this position will be accepted from 12:00am cdt 07/30/2026 until 11:59pm cdt on 08/12/2026

this position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the city's collective bargaining agreement with american federation of state, county, and municipal employees (afscme) - bargaining unit 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in city job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

under immediate supervision, positions in this class title will be assigned to work in a specialized unit within the chicago police department's forensic laboratory (e.g., latent print development/examination, evidence examination, firearms and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines).the class title performs professional scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime investigations; and performs related duties as required.

• receives, collects, and preserves, physical evidence submitted to the forensic laboratory associated with criminal investigations
• applies scientific principles to identify and classify items received in the laboratory (e.g., hair, skin, tissues, blood, bones, bullets, shells, weapons, etc.)
• conducts chemical analyses of evidentiary materials (e.g., blood, fibers, tool marks, body fluids)
• conducts tests on physical items using various methods and scientific tools (e.g., visual examinations, instrumental analysis, presumptive evaluations, enhancement techniques, extractions, quantifications, microscopic techniques, comparative examinations)
• analyzes chemical and physical substances, materials, liquids, or other physical evidence and prepares chemical reagents within assigned forensic discipline
• uses photographic equipment to enhance evidence through digital imaging and post processing
• identifies and reaches scientific conclusions supported by data and observations
• prepares reports or presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions and prepares results for court of other formal hearings
• performs audits of chemicals, equipment and laboratory supplies
• maintains compliance with accreditation standards, laboratory and departmental procedures and methods
• attends seminars and reviews published materials to remain abreast of new technology and new applications in the area of forensic analysis
• maintains the laboratory in a clean and orderly manner
• performs basic maintenance, calibration and quality control on scientific instruments
• conducts regular performance monitoring, including proficiency and competency testing, as required
• testifies as an expert witness on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and federal levels
• trains in a primary forensic discipline by completing all training assignments in established timelines
• confers with senior level scientists on case investigations

note: the list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

location: 3340 w filmore, chicago

days: monday through friday

hours: 6:00am to 2:00pm or 2:00pm-10:00pm

this position is not in the career service

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher in forensic science, physical or natural science, criminalistics, or a directly related field.

this position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.

• forensic investigative methods, techniques and practices
• evidence protection, recovery, and preservation techniques
• scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination
• safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory
• chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations…