FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Number of positions: 1 (additional vacancies possible pending budget approval). Open to the public and current City employees covered under the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME – Bargaining Units 1, 3, 4 & 5.

About the role

Under immediate supervision, positions in this class will be assigned to work 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 role performs professional scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime investigations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Prepares reports or presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions and prepares results for court or 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 in a primary forensic discipline by completing all training assignments in established timelines.
• Confers with senior-level scientists on case investigations.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, Criminalistics, or a directly related field.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of forensic investigative methods, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of evidence protection, recovery, and preservation techniques.
• Knowledge of scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination.
• Knowledge of safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory.
• Knowledge of chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations they undergo.
• Knowledge of the use of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Selection Process

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview, will be selected.

Pay

Starting salary: $74,160

Schedule

Location: 3340 W Filmore, Chicago
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM