Forensic Scientist

THE POSITION

Join the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) as a Forensic Scientist 2 and take on work that places your scientific expertise at the center of major investigations. This role gives you the chance to apply advanced knowledge while working with state‑of‑the‑art analytical technology. Each day brings meaningful challenges that let you demonstrate your experience and professional strength. Discover how your established skills can make a powerful impact in this important field.

This position focuses on performing advanced toxicology analyses in a laboratory environment. You apply scientific judgment to evaluate evidence and support investigations with accurate analytical results. As a Forensic Scientist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Specimen Analysis:
  Receive and examine biological samples for forensic toxicological evaluation
• Analytical Testing:
  Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses for alcohol and drugs using specialized techniques and instrumentation
• Instrument Operation:
  Operate advanced analytical tools such as gas chromatograph (GC), liquid chromatograph‑tandem mass spectrometer (LC‑MS/MS), and liquid chromatograph‑quadrupole time‑of‑flight mass spectrometer (LC‑qTOF) to complete testing tasks
• Data Evaluation:
  Review complex chromatographic and mass spectral data to determine the acceptability and significance of laboratory findings
• Problem Investigation:
  Identify and assess analytical issues that may influence testing outcomes
• Quality
  
  Activities:
  
  Participate in laboratory quality assurance tasks, method development, and documentation
• Court Testiony:
  Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings by explaining analytical methods, laboratory findings, quality assurance practices, and forensic toxicology principles

• Full‑time employment, 37.5 hour per week
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Telework:
  You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:
  
  In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• One year as a Forensic Scientist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ; or
• One year as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ; or
• Two years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical or biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.

• This particular position also requires two years of full‑time professional toxicology work experience performing instrumental analysis and forensic casework in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement,…