Forensic Laboratory Careers

Civilian Forensic Scientist

Employees participate in a formalized training program designed to develop competency in the analysis of chemical, biological, and physical criminal evidence. Scientists are trained to specialize in one of the following disciplines:

• Drug Analysis
• Trace Analysis
• Serology
• DNA Analysis

Work Details

Work involves using a variety of techniques and instruments to analyze blood and other body fluids, hair, fibers, controlled substances, explosives, accelerants, and other materials such as paint and glass fragments.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a bachelor's degree in a closely related field with a minimum of 16 credit hours in chemistry.

Forensic Scientists are Civil Service positions. Individuals may visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Employment Website at employment.pa.gov to view and apply to job postings of interest.

Enlisted Forensic Examiners

Members must first graduate from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy as a Trooper prior to being assigned to the laboratory, serve their probation period, and complete three years of their first assignment. Troopers must follow the Specialized Position Vacancy Procedures to apply. The enlisted members participate in a formalized training program designed to develop expertise in one of the following disciplines:

• AFIS and Latent Prints
• Ballistics Examination
• Document Examination
  

Work Details

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in any field with a minimum of two science courses. Forensic Examiners are enlisted positions and must first meet all requirements and complete the training as a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper.

All forensic scientists and examiners receive training in the proper techniques of presenting expert witness testimony in a court of law. Analysts and examiners are, at times, called to present their findings, documented in official reports, to juries and judges in criminal proceedings.