Forensic Scientist Trainee Commonwealth of

PA - 3.6

Bethlehem, PA Job Details Full-time $53,008 - $80,646 a year 13 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Internal mobility program Health insurance Dental insurance Military leave Paid time off Paid military leave Parental leave Vision insurance Flexible schedule Retirement plan Paid sick time Qualifications Bachelor's degree Full Job Description

THE POSITION

Step into an exciting role as a Forensic Scientist Trainee with the Bureau of Forensic Services, Bethlehem Regional Laboratory. This position gives you the chance to learn hands-on forensic skills that support important investigative work. You will have the opportunity to train with experts, analyze evidence, and gain experience that helps build a strong foundation for your career. Join a team that supports justice through careful scientific work.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position participates in structured forensic training that builds skills in biological evidence testing, hair identification, documentation, and courtroom procedures. It supports laboratory operations while developing the technical abilities needed for future independent work. As a Forensic Scientist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

Serology Testing:

Perform biological fluid testing under supervision and prepare reports based on examination results

Training Participation:

Develop skills in analyzing fluids and hairs and in preparing clear reports for court use

Case Documentation:

Maintain detailed and accurate records of testing procedures and results

Hair Identification:

Conduct supervised examinations of hairs and report findings to requesting agencies

Evidence Handling:

Learn correct techniques for collecting, preserving, and managing physical evidence

Competency Development:

Complete required testing and take part in mock trial activities to demonstrate proficiency Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment Work hours are 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

Telework:

You will not have the option to telework in this position.

Salary:

In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer. You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. How to

Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified. You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator. Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.• Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.• Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply.