Forensic Scientist III-Biology/DNA-Joliet

Job Requisition ID: 55306

Opening Date: 04/15/2026

Closing Date: 05/15/2026

Agency: Illinois State Police

Class Title: FORENSIC SCIENTIST III - 15893

Skill Option: Biology & DNA Laboratory Discipline

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $7,602 monthly; Full Range $7,602 - $11,110 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Will

Number of Vacancies: 5

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Please upload transcripts with submitted application for review.

Position Overview:

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is seeking to fill the role of Forensic Scientist III within the Division of Forensic Services. Under general supervision, the Forensic Scientist serves as an advanced laboratory specialist performing forensic biology and DNA analyses on evidence involving blood, physiological fluids, physical matches, blood spatter interpretation, and stab hole interpretation. The position is responsible for receiving and processing evidence, conducting administrative duties, and performing routine maintenance of section instruments. The Forensic Scientist provides established training to trainees, fellow scientists, and evidence technicians in evidence handling, analytical procedures, report writing, and courtroom testimony, and trains user agencies in proper evidence collection and preservation. This role includes ongoing professional development through review of current scientific literature to maintain expertise in biological evidence analysis. ISP encourages all those who qualify to apply!

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
• Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision, serves as an advanced laboratory specialist performing forensic biology and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) laboratory analysis/examinations of evidence related to blood, physiological fluids, physical match, blood spatter interpretation, and stab hole interpretation.
• Receives potential evidence from user agency personnel.
• Performs administrative duties including maintenance of the section and assigned instruments.
• Provides established training techniques to forensic scientist trainees, forensic scientists, and/or evidence technicians in Forensic Biology/DNA Section as it relates to evidence handling, analyses, report writing, and court testimony.
• Provides training for user agency personnel in the proper methods of collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Reviews current literature to maintain expertise and keep abreast of current procedures and techniques used in the analysis of biological evidence.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelors degree in natural science or forensic science. Option C requires, in addition to the bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science requirement, successful completion of coursework of nine (9) semester hours in the three DNA class requirements of genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology with a total of sixty semester hours of natural science.
• Requires five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a Master's or PhD degree with coursework in one of the biological, physical, natural or forensic sciences or related disciplines.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in applying Forensic Biology/Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) laboratory principles and techniques in an accurate and progressive manner for efficient disposition of forensic casework.
• Prefers coursework and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience screening, comparing, and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in communicating thoughts, interpretations of scientific examinations, and conclusions in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience constructing court exhibits or demonstration charts and testifying in court as an expert witness, with proper courtroom demeanor.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of work experience in coordinating the activities of a small group or staff.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of background investigation.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Successful completion of all required competency tests to be authorized to perform the duties of a forensic scientist.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards, policies, and procedures.
• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
• Ability to maintain proficiency in forensic science casework.
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Headquarter Location: 515 Woodruff Rd, Joliet, Illinois, 60432-1260

Work County: Will

Agency Contact: [email protected]

Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]