Forensic Scientist Trainee

Does using your scientific expertise to investigate crimes and examine evidence sound like an exciting career path? The Pennsylvania State Police is seeking a Forensic Scientist Trainee to join our professional team! The purpose of this position is to participate in a structured training program designed to develop knowledge, understanding, and technical skills related to drug identification, report preparation, and courtroom testimony. Start this fascinating career journey by applying today!
A Forensic Scientist Trainee determines what scientific tests to perform in the laboratory, interprets the results of analysis, and prepares a written report on the findings.
Duties of this position include participating in a structured training program designed to develop skills in the identification of controlled drug substances and related chemical compounds. You also perform qualitative analyses on evidence submitted to the laboratory for drug testing using acceptable methods of identification. In addition, you testify in a court of law concerning the results obtained from the testing of evidence.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Please check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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 .
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three (3) months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• 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 criminal history and background investigations.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will notbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Employment Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time