Lead Forensic Scientist

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, or a directly related field of science, plus four (4) years of work experience in an area of forensic analysis and/or science, OR

Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Forensic Science, Physical or Natural Science, or a directly related field, plus three (3) years of work experience in an area of forensic analysis and/or science

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

• Positions assigned to the below forensic disciplines require the following professional certification:

o Latent Print Unit - must possess or be able to obtain International Association for Identification (IAI) Certification for latent prints within six (6) months of hire

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.

Considerable knowledge of:

• *forensic investigative methods, techniques and practices
• *evidence protection, recovery, and preservation techniques
• *scientific procedures and equipment used in forensic examination
• *safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory
• *chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations they undergo
• *use of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods

Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and ordinances

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Oct 16, 2026, 12:00:00 AM