Forensic Scientist

Job Requisition ID: 59025 Opening Date: 10/15/2026Closing Date: 11/02/2026Agency: Illinois State PoliceClass Title: FORENSIC SCIENTIST II (15892) Skill Option: Chemistry - Drug / Microscopy / Toxicology / Trace Discipline Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 monthly; Full Range $6,820-$9,875 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 12Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code: 
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needsHeadquarter Location: 1941 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, Illinois, 60608-1248 or 515 Woodruff Rd., Joliet, Illinois, 60432Work County: Cook**
Agency Contact: ISP.JobPostings@illinois.gov**

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.

Position Overview:

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Forensic Services is seeking a detail‑oriented and service‑focused Forensic Scientist II to join our team. Under general supervision, this position independently performs both routine and complex forensic examinations of controlled substances, cannabis, intoxicating compounds, and related evidence within the Drug Chemistry Section. The role includes conducting technical reviews of peers’ case files and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness. It also supports supervisory staff by preparing statistical summaries of casework and related activities. To maintain and advance professional expertise, the incumbent actively reviews current forensic literature and developments within the field.  The work location for this position will either be 1941 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, or 515 Woodruff Rd., Joliet. 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 and 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 and 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

• Under general supervision, independently conducts both routine and complex forensic analyses/examinations of controlled substances, cannabis, intoxicating compounds, and related evidence in the Drug Chemistry Section.
• Technically reviews casefiles and reports of peers for accuracy and completeness.
• Assists the supervisor by preparing statistical reports on cases worked and related activities.
• Continues to develop as a forensic scientist by reviewing pertinent literature to keep abreast of all current information in the field.
• 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 a minimum of 20 semester hours of coursework in chemistry with a total of 60 semester hours of coursework in natural science.
• Requires three (3) years of professional forensic science work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional work experience in performing specialized and sensitive physical evidence examination of forensic Drug Chemistry cases in an accurate and progressive manner.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience screening, comparing, and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in communicating thoughts, interpretations, and conclusions of scientific examinations in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in testifying in court as both an expert and rebuttal witness.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of knowledge in State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of work experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of work experience in performing literature search and other scientific research related to forensic science.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of background investigation.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Successful completion of all required competency tests to be authorized to perform the duties of a forensic scientist.
• Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards, policies, and procedures.
• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
• 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.

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:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com