TBI FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1** - 08052026-79813

Location: Jackson, TN – Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (T.B.I.), Madison County TBI Jackson Laboratory – Forensic Biology Unit

This is an interim, full-time appointment not to exceed one (1) year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, 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.
• Official transcript showing all required chemistry credits must be uploaded with the employment application.
• At least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
• United States citizen.
• Valid motor-vehicle operator’s license.
• Supply fingerprints for a TBI-prescribed criminal-history records check.
• Complete a criminal-history and background-disclosure form and authorize release of all relevant records to the appointing authority.
• Subject to an intensive background investigation covering State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social-media accounts, credit history, education, military service, previous employment, drug use, reference verification, and a polygraph examination (may require travel).
• Participate in pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug and substance-abuse testing as required by departmental policies.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental-health professional consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related to the essential functions of the position.
• For the past five years, the candidate’s driver record must not show: DUI, reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations (exceptions may be granted based on other factors).

About the Role

This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests—analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of criminal investigations—composes technical laboratory reports describing test results, and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness.

An incumbent performs duties at the entry/training level under direct supervision. As experience and proficiency increase, the employee works more independently. After successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications, the appointee will be reclassified to the next higher level in the TBI Forensic Scientist series; unacceptable or “needs improvement” performance during probation will result in demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Analyze or assist in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for criminal investigations.
• Evaluate and compare unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases (e.g., AFIS, CODIS, NIBIN) to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences.
• Demonstrate and articulate knowledge and proficiency in assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question-and-answer sessions, mock cases, and mock court settings.
• Assist with discipline-specific instrument maintenance and quality-control duties to ensure the integrity of testing results.
• Use the laboratory information system to review case information, track evidence, enter results, and generate reports.
• Document, process, and preserve forensic evidence in the laboratory for use in criminal investigations.
• Testify and/or consult as an expert witness for judicial proceedings to communicate laboratory results.
• Perform technical and administrative peer reviews of forensic casework to ensure accuracy and compliance with laboratory and discipline-specific policies.

Skills & Competencies

• Competencies: Decision Quality, Nimble Learning, Plans and Aligns, Communicates Effectively, Instills Trust.
• Knowledges: Law and Government, Chemistry, Biology.
• Skills: Writing, Quality Control Analysis, Science, Reading Comprehension, Learning Strategies.
• Abilities: Written Comprehension, Problem Sensitivity, Mathematical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning.
• Tools & Equipment: Laboratory Information System and Forensic Databases, Hand Tools, Scientific Laboratory Equipment, Computers.

Pay

Monthly: $5,647.00 – $9,005.00
Annual: $67,764.00 – $108,060.00