A Forensic Chemist tests and analyzes physical evidence and drug samples gathered from crime scenes. Completes tests on samples collected by law enforcement or other government agencies or employers. Documents and reports test findings; may be required to provide court testimony on test findings.
City of Chicago - 4.1 Chicago, IL Job Details $81,636 a year 4 hours ago Qualifications Chemical handling safety procedures Laboratory safety Chemical handling Firearm handling Legal evidence Chemical analysis Chemical testing Chemical safety protocols
Full Job Description Job Number:
420089 Description
JOB/BID ANNOUNCEMENT SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bureau of Detectives/ Forensic Services Unit Number of Positions:
1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary:
$81,636 Applications for this position will be accepted from 12:00am
CDT 07/31/2026
until 11:59pm CDT on 08/13/2026 This position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City's Collective Bargaining Agreement with
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES
(AFSCME) - BARGAINING
UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5.
Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS
Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND 1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago" 2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number') 3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
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 of 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.
Location:
3340 W Filmore, Chicago, Il 60624
Days:
Monday through
Friday Hours:
6:00AM to 2:00PM OR 2:00PM-10:00PM
THIS POSITION IS NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
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 Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable: 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 discipline: o International Association for Identification (IAI) Certification for latent prints o Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Certification for firearms, toolmarks, and distance determination o
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.
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
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer. The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.
City of Chicago Brandon Johnson, Mayor Job Posting :
Jul 31, 2026, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) -
