Tbi Forensic Scientist

Position: TBI FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1* - 01072026-73121

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information Opening Date/Time
01/07/2026 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date/Time
01/13/2026 11:59PM Central Time Salary (Monthly)$5,647.00 - $9,005.00

Salary (Annually)$67,764.00 - $Job Type Full-Time City, State Location Nashville, TN Department

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (T.B.I.)

LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NASHVILLE LABORATORY DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

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Qualifications

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other natural or physical sciences; forensic science, or other forensic related areas; including a minimum of thirty-six progressive quarter hours (twenty-four semester hours) in chemistry or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related coursework.

A transcript with all chemistry credits or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency can properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.

Applicants for this class must:

1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application;
2. Be a citizen of the United States;
3. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license;
4. Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
5. Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority;
6. Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment;
7. Participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures;
8. Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.

Overview

This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests such as analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of a criminal investigation; composes technical laboratory reports describing the results of tests; and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness. An incumbent in this classification performs duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As experience and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently.

This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.

* An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Forensic Scientist 2*; `unacceptable' or `needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

Analyzes or assists in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for use in the investigation of a crime.

Evaluates and compares unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases [e.g., Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)] to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences for use in the investigation of a crime.

Demonstrates and articulates knowledge and proficiency in methodology for the assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question and answer sessions, mock cases, and mock…