Forensic Scientist III- Biology/DNA- Chicago

Job Requisition ID: 55312

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: Cook

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. The Forensic Scientist conducts both routine and advanced forensic biology and DNA analyses on evidence within the Forensic Biology/DNA Section. The role provides technical expertise and mentorship to other forensic science staff, ensuring high-quality scientific practices. This position also serves as an expert witness in court, presenting findings and traveling as required. In addition, the Forensic Scientist assists with daily operational needs of the section and performs essential equipment calibration, safety checks, and routine maintenance to support laboratory readiness and compliance. 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

• Conducts both routine and advanced/complex forensic biology and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analyses/examinations of evidence in the Forensic Biology/DNA Section.
• Provides in depth guidance to other forensic scientist staff.
• Serves as an expert witness in the presentation of findings in court and travel as needed.
• Assists with the day-to-day operational needs of the Forensic Biology/DNA Section.
• Performs calibration, safety checks, and routine maintenance on section equipment.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess a Master's or PhD degree with coursework in one of the biological, physical, natural, or forensic sciences or related disciplines.
• At least five years of professional experience in performing specialized and sensitive physical evidence examination of Forensic Biology/DNA cases in an accurate and progressive manner.
• Possess coursework and/or training in statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
• At least five years of experience screening, comparing, and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
• At least five years of experience in communicating thoughts, interpretations of scientific examinations, and conclusions in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
• At least five years of experience in testifying in court as both an expert and rebuttal witness.
• At least five years of knowledge in State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
• At least five years of experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
• At least two years of experience in performing literature search and other scientific research relative to forensic science.
• At least two years of experience in coordinating the activities of a small group or staff.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
  a. Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards.
  b. Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's policies and procedures.
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
• Ability to maintain proficiency in forensic science casework on an as-needed basis.
• No felony or misdemeanor convictions.

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: 1941 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, Illinois, 60608-1248

Work County: Cook

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]