Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee in Pennsylvania
Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee
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Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee
Salary
$50,836.00 - $77,321.00 Annually
Location
Westmoreland County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2024-11321-72055
Department
Pennsylvania State Police
Division
SP Frnsc DNA Div
Opening Date
11/06/2024
Closing Date
11/19/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
72055
Position Number
50697802
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00209370
Bureau / Division
Bureau of Forensic Services/Forensic DNA Division
Worksite Address
80 N. Westmoreland Avenue
City
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
15601
Contact Name
PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement
Contact Email
RA-SPSPCIVILPLCMT@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement and have a passion for forensic science, the Pennsylvania State Police is currently looking for a detail-oriented individual to join their Forensic DNA Division as a Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the exciting and important world of forensic science and make a valuable contribution to the criminal justice system. Do not miss this chance to achieve you career goals and apply for this position today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee, you will participate in structured training and practical exercises designed to develop proficiency in performing chemical and biological analysis and comparison of human DNA samples and evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. You will also receive training in preparing detailed records of analysis and findings that are compliant with laboratory policies and the laws governing the admissibility of evidence in court. In addition, you will receive training in courtroom procedures, courtroom demeanor, and delivering testimony, as well as participate in mock trials.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=50697802) .
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.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
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:
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.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance 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.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@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/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits 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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science?
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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and 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
02
If you answered No to the above question, have you completed 90 college credits and are within 3 months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science?
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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and 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
03
If you answered Yes to either of the above questions, have you completed 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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and 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
04
If you answered Yes to the question regarding completion of 16 college credits in chemistry, have you completed three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and 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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and 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
05
If you answered Yes to the question above, list the qualifying coursework below by course title and the number of credits earned for each course listed.
06
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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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 ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
07
COLLEGE EDUCATION IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Defined as the study of biological phenomena at the molecular level through the study of DNA and RNA, proteins, and other macromolecules involved in genetic information and cell function. More specifically, it refers to the theories, methods, and techniques used in the study and analysis of gene structure, organization, and function. Key elements of Molecular Biology coursework may include, but are not limited to: the interrelationship of DNA, RNA and protein syntheses; Central Dogma; transcription, translation, replication; recombinant DNA techniques; PCR and cloning.
To qualify under this category, course must specify "Molecular Biology" in the title, and Molecular Biology must have been an integral part of the course.
You may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
A. I have successfully completed 7 or more college credits for coursework in this field.
B. I have successfully completed 4 to 6 college credits for coursework in this field.
C. I have successfully completed 3 college credits for coursework in this field.
D. I have no college credits for coursework in this field.
08
Please provide the training source(s), course(s), and number of credits/clock hours earned in the text box below. (example: ABC University/Molecular Biology/3 college credits).
Note: You must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You mayNOTclaim the same course under more than one area of study.
09
If you wish to claim related coursework that does not specify "Molecular Biology" in the title, please list the training source(s), course(s), and number of credits/clock hours earned in the text box below and use the "Attachments" tab on the left toattach a copy of the syllabusfor each course. This information will be used during the interview process. It willnotbe scored as part of the examination.
10
COLLEGE EDUCATION IN GENETICS
Defined as the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms. More specifically, it refers to the study of inherited traits, genotype/phenotype relationships, and population/species differences in allele and genotype frequencies. Key elements of Genetics coursework may include, but are not limited to: heredity; function of genes; gene expression; recombinant DNA; and mitosis/meiosis.
To qualify under this category, course must specify "Genetics" in the title, and Genetics must have been an integral part of the course.
You may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
A. I have successfully completed 7 or more college credits for coursework in this field.
B. I have successfully completed 4 to 6 college credits for coursework in this field.
C. I have successfully completed 3 college credits for coursework in this field.
D. I have no college credits for coursework in this field.
11
Please provide the training source(s), course(s), and number of credits/clock hours earned in the text box below. (example: ABC University/Genetics/3 college credits).
Note: You must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study.
12
If you wish to claim related coursework that does not specify "Genetics" in the title, please list the training source(s), course(s), and number of credits/clock hours earned in the text box below and use the "Attachments" tab on the left toattach a copy of the syllabusfor each course. This information will be used during the interview process. It willnotbe scored as part of the examination.
13
COLLEGE EDUCATION IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Defined as the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. More specifically, it refers to the nature of biologically important molecules in living systems, DNA replication and protein synthesis, and the quantitative and qualitative aspects of cellular metabolism. Key elements of Biochemistry may include, but are not limited to, structure and function of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules; chemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; metabolism; DNA/RNA; protein synthesis; cell membrane transport; and signal transduction.
To qualify under this category, course must specify "Biochemistry" in the title and Biochemistry must have been an integral part of the course.
You may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
A. I have successfully completed 7 or more college credits for coursework in this field.
B. I have successfully completed 4 to 6 college credits for coursework in this field.
C. I have successfully completed 3 college credits for coursework in this field.
D. I have no college credits for coursework in this field.
14
Please provide the training source(s), course(s), and number of credits/clock hours earned in the text box below. (example: ABC University/Biochemistry/3 college credits).
Note: You must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study.
15
If you wish to claim related coursework that does not specify "Biochemistry" in the title, please list the training source(s), course(s), and number of credits/clock hours earned in the text box below and use the "Attachments" tab on the left toattach a copy of the syllabusfor each course. This information will be used during the interview process. It willnotbe scored as part of the examination.
16
INTERNSHIPS/INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Please select the level of performance below that best describes your internship/independent research experience.Note: If you worked as an intern or performed independent research for which you received collge credits in any of the above fields, you MAY claim that as a course in the appropriate education section above.
A. I have 3 or more months of experience working in an internship or working on an independent research project in any one of the following fields: Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Biochemistry for which I did NOT receive college credit.
B. I have 1 to 2 months experience working in an internship or working on an independent research project in any one of the following fields: Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Biochemistry for which I did NOT receive college credit.
C. I did not participate in an internship or an independent research project in any of the aforementioned fields for which I did NOT receive college credit.
17
In the text box below, please provide details about your experience. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below.
Did you perform internship work or independent research?
What was the name of the company/organization with which you performed the work?
In what field did you perform internship work/independent research?
Your actual duties and level of responsibility
Note: If you wish to claim credit for an internship/independent research project, please use the "Attachments" tab on the left toattach a copy of the project, final paper or work performed.
Required Question
Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
