Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee

Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee

This listing closes on 8/27/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Salary

$51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually

Location

Westmoreland County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-31746-72055

Department

Pennsylvania State Police

Division

SP Frnsc DNA Div

Opening Date

08/14/2025

Closing Date

8/27/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Job Code

72055

Position Number

50538154

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00209370

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Forensic Services / Forensic DNA Division

Worksite Address

80 North Westmoreland Avenue

City

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15601

Contact Name

PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement

Contact Email

...

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS

QUESTIONS

THE POSITION

Are you passionate about forensic science and eager to apply your knowledge while starting a rewarding public service career? The Pennsylvania State Police is seeking a dedicated Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee to join our Bureau of Forensic Services team. In this pivotal role, you will receive structured training and practical exercises to develop proficiency in performing chemical and biological analysis and comparison of human DNA samples. This is a unique opportunity to expand your skill set, learn new techniques, and contribute to the mission of the Pennsylvania State Police!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will receive training in chemical and biological techniques as well as conducting forensic DNA analysis. Duties include gaining hands-on experience in the use of thermal cyclers, genetic analyzers, automation platforms, the Combined DNA Index System, and other systems unique to the forensic DNA program. Additionally, you will be responsible for the identification of human DNA profiles, the scientific DNA analysis of physiological samples, and the various techniques used for the collection, preservation, and handling of evidence and convicted offender samples including chain of custody. You will also prepare detailed records of analysis that are compliant with laboratory policies and receive training in conducting performance checks of laboratory equipment.

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 hours per week

Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics.

Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 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 a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.