TBI FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1** - 07152026-79257

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time07/15/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time07/28/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$5,647.00 - $9,005.00Salary (Annually)$67,764.00 - $108,060.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationKnoxville, TNDepartmentTennessee Bureau of Investigation (T.B.I)

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I), KNOX COUNTY

This position is located at the TBI Knoxville Consolidated Facility within the Crime Laboratory's Toxicology Unit.

For more information, visit the link below:

https://www.tbijobs.com/

Qualifications

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other natural or physical sciences; forensic science, or other forensic related areas; including a minimum of thirty-six progressive quarter hours (twenty-four semester hours) in chemistry or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related coursework.

A transcript with all chemistry credits or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency can properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.

Applicants for this class must:

1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application;

2. Be a citizen of the United States;

3. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license;

4. Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;

5. Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority;

6. Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment;

7. Participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures;

8. Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.

Overview

This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests such as analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of a criminal investigation; composes technical laboratory reports describing the results of tests; and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness. An incumbent in this classification performs duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As experience and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.

• An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Forensic Scientist 2*; unacceptable' orneeds improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes or assists in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Evaluates and compares unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases [e.g., Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)] to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Demonstrates and articulates knowledge and proficiency in methodology for the assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question and answer sessions, mock cases, and mock court settings.
• Assists with discipline specific instrument maintenance and quality control duties to ensure the integrity of testing results.
• Uses the laboratory information system to review case information, track evidence, enter results, and generate reports.
• Documents, processes, and preserves forensic evidence in the laboratory for use in the investigation of a crime.
• Testifies and/or consults as an expert witness for judicial proceedings to communicate laboratory results.
• Performs technical and administrative peer reviews of forensic casework to ensure accuracy of testing results and compliance with laboratory and discipline specific policies.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

• Decision Quality
• Nimble Learning
• Plans and Aligns
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust

Knowledges:

• Law and Government
• Chemistry
• Biology

Skills:

• Writing
• Quality Control Analysis
• Science
• Reading Comprehension
• Learning Strategies

Abilities:

• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Deductive Reasoning

Tools & Equipment

• Laboratory Information System and Forensic Databases
• Hand Tools
• Scientific Laboratory Equipment
• Computers

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.