Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee
Job details
- Location
- Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $53,008 - $80,646/yr
- Clearance
- Other
- Posted
- 6 days ago
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
Position Duties
The Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee participates in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform forensic DNA analysis. This position provides hands-on experience with laboratory procedures, scientific equipment, evidence handling, quality standards, and courtroom preparation. As a Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- DNA Analysis Training: Learn chemical and biological techniques used to analyze, identify, and interpret human DNA samples
- Laboratory Operations: Operate specialized equipment, utilize forensic DNA systems, and assist with equipment maintenance and performance checks
- Evidence Handling: Follow proper procedures for collecting, preserving, documenting, and tracking evidence and sample chain of custody
- Case Documentation: Prepare detailed laboratory records and maintain documentation that meets legal and laboratory requirements
- Professional Development: Attend training sessions, staff meetings, conferences, and educational activities while reviewing scientific publications and reference materials
- Quality Compliance: Follow laboratory policies, safety procedures, accreditation requirements, and forensic DNA quality standards governing analytical work
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 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.
Minimum Qualifications
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 and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
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.
Other Qualifications
- 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.
Benefits
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.
Supplemental Questions
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
- Yes
- No
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
- Yes
- No
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
- Yes
- No
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
- Yes
- No
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
- Yes
Defined as the study of biological phenomena at the molecular level through the study of DNA and RNA, proteins, and other macromolecules involved in genetic information and cell function. More specifically, it refers to the theories, methods, and techniques used in the study and analysis of gene structure, organization, and function. Key elements of Molecular Biology coursework may include, but are not limited to: the interrelationship of DNA, RNA and protein syntheses; Central Dogma; transcription, translation, replication; recombinant DNA techniques; PCR and cloning.
To qualify under this category, course must specify "Molecular Biology" in the title, and Molecular Biology must have been an integral part of the course.
You may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
- A. I have successfully completed 7 or more college credits for coursework in this field.
- B. I have successfully completed 4 to 6 college credits for coursework in this field.
- C. I have successfully completed 3 college credits for coursework in this field.
- D. I have no college credits for coursework in this field.
Note: You must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study.
Defined as the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms. More specifically, it refers to the study of inherited traits, genotype/phenotype relationships, and population/species differences in allele and genotype frequencies. Key elements of Genetics coursework may include, but are not limited to: heredity; function of genes; gene expression; recombinant DNA; and mitosis/meiosis.
To qualify under this category, course must specify "Genetics" in the title, and Genetics must have been an integral part of the course.
You may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
- A. I have successfully completed 7 or more college credits for coursework in this field.
- B. I have successfully completed 4 to 6 college credits for coursework in this field.
- C. I have successfully completed 3 college credits for coursework in this field.
- D. I have no college credits for coursework in this field.
Note: You must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study.
Defined as the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. More specifically, it refers to the nature of biologically important molecules in living systems, DNA replication and protein synthesis, and the quantitative and qualitative aspects of cellular metabolism. Key elements of Biochemistry may include, but are not limited to, structure and function of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules; chemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; metabolism; DNA/RNA; protein synthesis; cell membrane transport; and signal transduction.
To qualify under this category, course must specify "Biochemistry" in the title and Biochemistry must have been an integral part of the course.
You may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
- A. I have successfully completed 7 or more college credits for coursework in this field.
- B. I have successfully completed 4 to 6 college credits for coursework in this field.
- C. I have successfully completed 3 college credits for coursework in this field.
- D. I have no college credits for coursework in this field.
Note: You must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study.
Please select the level of performance below that best describes your internship/independent research experience. Note: If you worked as an intern or performed independent research for which you received collge credits in any of the above fields, you MAY claim that as a course in the appropriate education section above.
- A. I have 3 or more months of experience working in an internship or working on an independent research project in any one of the following fields: Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Biochemistry for which I did NOT receive college credit.
- B. I have 1 to 2 months experience working in an internship or working on an independent research project in any one of the following fields: Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Biochemistry for which I did NOT receive college credit.
- C. I did not participate in an internship or an independent research project in any of the aforementioned fields for which I did NOT receive college credit.
- Did you perform internship work or independent research?
- What was the name of the company/organization with which you performed the work?
- In what field did you perform internship work/independent research?
- Your actual duties and level of responsibility
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North StreetHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov