Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Forensic Laboratory Careers

    Explore employment opportunities as a civilian Forensic Scientist, or join PSP as a Trooper and apply to become an Enlisted Forensic Examiner.

    Civilian Forensic Scientist Trainee

    Employees participate in a formalized training program designed to develop competency in the analysis of chemical, biological, and physical criminal evidence. Scientists are trained to specialize in one of the following disciplines:

    • Drug Analysis
    • Trace Analysis
    • Serology
    • DNA Analysis

    Work Details

    Work involves using a variety of techniques and instruments to analyze blood and other body fluids, hair, fibers, controlled substances, explosives, accelerants, and other materials such as paint and glass fragments.

    Minimum Requirements

    A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or any closely related field with a minimum of 16 credit hours in chemistry.

    Individuals may visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Employment Website at employment.pa.gov to view and apply for job postings of interest. For more information about the Forensic Scientist Trainee position, contact ra-spspcivilplcmt@pa.gov.

    Enlisted Forensic Examiners

    Employees must first graduate from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy as a Trooper before assignment to the laboratory, serve their probation period, and complete three years of their first assignment. Troopers must follow the Specialized Position Vacancy Procedures to apply. The enlisted members participate in a formalized training program designed to develop expertise in one of the following disciplines:

    • AFIS and Latent Prints
    • Ballistics Examination
    • Document Examination

    Work Details

    Work involves using a variety of methods to examine latent prints, shoe and tire impressions, firearms, tool marks, and questioned document evidence.

    Minimum Requirements

    A bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two science courses. Forensic Examiners are enlisted positions and must first meet all requirements and complete the training as a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper.

    All forensic scientists and examiners receive training in the proper techniques of presenting expert witness testimony in a court of law. Analysts and examiners are, at times, called to present their findings, documented in official reports, to juries and judges in criminal proceedings.

    The Pennsylvania State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer.