Senior Forensic Scientist
Listed on 2026-08-03
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Science
Research Scientist -
Research/Development
Research Scientist
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Job Description - SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST (420089)
Job Description
SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST Job Number:420089
Description
JOB/BID ANNOUNCEMENT
SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bureau of Detectives/ Forensic Services Unit
Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
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.
1. Check the box on your profile titled “Currently employed by the City of Chicago”
2. Enter your employee (located on your pay stub labeled ‘payee/employee number’)
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
Failure to follow these instructions will result in a rejected bid application
Under supervision, the class works 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 performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime investigations; and performs related duties as required
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Performs independent scientific examinations in a specialized area of Forensics
- Performs preliminary reviews of case evaluations completed by Forensic Scientists
- Provides technical assistance to Forensic Scientists and other departmental members
- 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
- Communicates findings and conclusions with departmental members
- Prepares technical 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 new Forensic Scientists in a primary forensic sub-discipline
- Confers with senior level scientists on case investigations
- Assists in training Forensic Scientists in the methods of analysis, collection methods and preservation techniques
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.
Days:
Monday through Friday
Hours:
6:00AM to 2:00PM OR 2:00PM-10:00PM
THIS POSITION IS NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Gra…
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