SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

About the role

Under supervision, the class works 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 class performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime investigations; and performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties

• Performs independent scientific examinations in a specialized area of Forensics
• Performs preliminary reviews of case evaluations completed by Forensic Scientists
• Provides technical assistance to Forensic Scientists and other departmental members
• 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
• Communicates findings and conclusions with departmental members
• Prepares technical 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 new Forensic Scientists in a primary forensic sub-discipline
• Confers with senior level scientists on case investigations
• Assists in training Forensic Scientists in the methods of analysis, collection methods and preservation techniques

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, or a directly related field of science, plus two (2) years of work experience in an area of forensic analysis and/or science
• OR: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, or a directly related field, plus one (1) year of work experience in an area of forensic analysis and/or science

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

Professional certifications in any of the following disciplines:

• International Association for Identification (IAI) Certification for latent prints
• Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Certification for firearms, toolmarks, and distance determination
• American Board of Criminalistics Certification: Biological Evidence Screening, Comprehensive Criminalistics, Drug Analysis, Forensic DNA or Foundational Knowledge

Selection Requirements

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.

Knowledge Requirements

• Moderate knowledge of forensic investigative methods, techniques and practices
• Evidence protection, recovery, and preservation techniques
• Scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination
• Safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory
• Chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations they undergo
• 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
• Other knowledge as required for successful performance in the Forensic Scientist class

Pay & Schedule

• Starting Salary: $81,636
• Location: 3340 W Filmore, Chicago, IL 60624
• Days: Monday through Friday
• Hours: 6:00AM to 2:00PM OR 2:00PM-10:00PM

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