Location: Greensburg,PA, USA
THE POSITION
Are you passionate about forensic science and eager to apply your expertise in a meaningful public service career? The Pennsylvania State Police is seeking dedicated Forensic DNA Scientists to join our forensic DNA division. In this pivotal role, you will analyze and compare DNA samples from reference and evidentiary materials submitted to the lab, working to establish forensic genetic profiles. This is a unique opportunity to expand your skill set, learn new techniques, and contribute to the mission of the Pennsylvania State Police. Apply today to turn your public service career aspirations into reality!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will perform detailed scientific DNA analysis on criminal investigative casework. Your focus will be on cases that involve large quantities of cellular material and a small number of evidence items from which results can be easily obtained. Your responsibilities will include isolating, extracting, and amplifying human DNA from blood or physiological fluid-stained items. Using a variety of chemical and biological techniques, you will identify the genetic profiles of the extracted forensic DNA. You will determine the appropriate scientific tests to conduct, interpret the analytical results, and prepare comprehensive written reports detailing your findings.
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: This position does not offer telework.
* 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:
* Successful completion of the Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee program (commonwealth title); or
* Successful completion of the Forensic Scientist Trainee program (commonwealth title) and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics; or
* One year of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical, physical, or biological analysis and comparison of substances or materials, and 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.
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.
* 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.
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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov.
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.
01
Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee program?
* Yes
* No
02
If you answered Yes to the above question, when did you complete this program? If you answered No , please type N/A in the text box below.
03
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
04
Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Forensic Scientist Trainee program?
* Yes
* No
05
If you answered Yes to the above question, when did you complete this program? If you answered No , please type N/A in the text box below.
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
Do you possess one or more years of full-time professional laboratory work in the chemical, physical, or biological analysis and comparison of substances or materials?
* Yes
* No
08
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09
Have you completed a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry?
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.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information. 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
10
Have you completed three college credits in each of the following: molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and either population genetics or statistics?
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.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information. 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
11
If you answered Yes to the above question, please list the qualifying coursework below by course title and the number of credits earned for each course listed. If you answered No , type N/A in the text box below.
12
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
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
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - CONDUCTS SCIENTIFIC DNA ANALYSIS
Conducts scientific DNA analysis associated with criminal investigative casework involving cellular material and items of evidence by isolating, extracting, and amplifying human DNA from crime scene blood or physiological fluid stained items; uses preventative aseptic measures including cleaning and sterilizing testing equipment and workspace to avoid contamination and ensure the accuracy of testing results; performs chemical and biological techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, and capillary electrophoresis.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have professional experience conducting scientific DNA analysis by isolating, extracting, and amplifying human DNA from crime scene blood or physiological fluid stained items AND performing chemical and biological techniques including PCR, STR analysis, and capillary electrophoresis.
* B. I have professional experience conducting scientific DNA analysis by isolating, extracting, and amplifying human DNA from crime scene blood or physiological fluid stained items OR I have professional experience performing chemical and biological techniques including PCR, STR analysis, and capillary electrophoresis; OR I performed ALL aspects of this work behavior as part of a team.
* C. I have experience performing any of the activities mentioned in this work behavior as a trainee or through an internship.
* D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience AND if this experience was gained from an internship or not. If it was from an internship, please indicate what type and number of hours completed.
* The type, location, method, etc. of DNA analysis.
* The purpose of the DNA analysis.
* The actual duties you performed.
* Your level of responsibility.
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PERFORMS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Compares known and unknown DNA profiles and statistically interprets the results as a match, non-match, or inconclusive. This involves performing human population statistical analysis for determining the likelihood of occurrence of generated genetic profiles.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have professional experience comparing known and unknown DNA profiles and statistically interpreting the results as a match, non-match, or inconclusive in a forensic DNA laboratory setting.
* B. I have professional experience performing scientific statistical analysis in areas other than forensic DNA profiles.
* C. I have successfully completed specialized training related to forensic DNA statistical methods.
* D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to statistical analysis, applied statistical methods, or statistics.
* E. I have NO experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* The actual duties you performed related to performing statistical analysis.
* The specialization area (i.e. forensic DNA, etc.)
* Your level of responsibility.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - MAINTAINS DETAILED AND ACCURATE RECORDS
Maintains detailed and accurate records during sampling and testing in order to maintain a continuous chain of custody and integrity of the evidence/samples including: origination of samples, identity of tester, date of test, any sketches or photographs, chain of custody information, methods of testing used, test results, interpretation of test results, and any adverse conditions that may have affected the sample.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have professional experience related to this work behavior which included maintaining detailed/accurate records during sampling/testing in ALL of the following areas: origination of samples, identity of tester, date of test, any sketches or photographs, chain of custody information, methods of testing used, test results, interpretation of test results, and any adverse conditions that may have affected the sample.
* B. I have professional experience related to this work behavior which included maintaining detailed/accurate records during sampling/testing in at least 3 of the areas listed above such as: documenting, identifying, and sketching/photographing the samples.
* C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
19
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* The type(s) of information you documented.
* The actual duties you performed.
* Your level of responsibility.
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PERFORMS PRACTICAL EXERCISES/CASEWORK
Performs practical exercises and supervised casework assigned to develop proficiency in conducting forensic DNA analysis of a variety of evidentiary material; prepares practical reports detailing the analytical results of the tests performed providing investigative and prosecutorial information.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience performing practical exercises and supervised casework which were assigned to me to develop proficiency in conducting forensic DNA analysis of a variety of evidentiary material AND I prepared reports detailing the analytical results of the tests performed providing investigative and prosecutorial information.
* B. I have experience performing practical exercises or supervised casework which was assigned to me to develop proficiency in conducting forensic DNA analysis of a variety of evidentiary material; however, I did not prepare scientific reports of the results of the analysis.
* C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
21
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* Your experience performing practical exercises or supervised casework.
* Your level of responsibility.
Required Question
Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
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