Salary: $32.06 - $46.80 Hourly
Location : Lansing, MI
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number:
Department: State Police
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING (SEIU)

Job Description
This position serves as the recognized resource for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) casework technology. The incumbent in this position will apply all facets of validation and research, with a concentration in new technology and software tools for DNA casework. The incumbent serves as the liaison for the Forensic Science Division (FSD) in the testing and implementation of new instrumentation, equipment, chemistries, software tools and new technologies. The incumbent will act as the DNA Unit liaison for software vendors. The incumbent will maintain proficiency in DNA casework methods, especially as it assists their role. The incumbent provides expert witness testimony, as needed, in Daubert hearings and casework trials in local, state, and federal courts. The incumbent will provide training for casework staff and other stakeholders. This position functions in a bias-free manner.
Required Education and Experience
Education

Possession of a bachelor's degree in forensic science, natural science, or a related pure or applied science.
Experience

Three years of professional experience working in a crime laboratory carrying out a variety of tests, analyses or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical, biological or physical evidence samples, specimens, or products equivalent to a Forensic Scientist, including one year equivalent to a Forensic Scientist P11.

Additional Requirements and Information
This position will be filled as either a Forensic Scientist 12 orSpecialist Sergeant 12.
As a condition of employment, the selected applicant is required to submit a DNA sample for inclusion into the DNA Staff Index.

This position requires passing a pre-employment screening, including passing a drug screen, criminal history background check and a fingerprint check by the Michigan State Police.

Please attach a cover memo, resume and a copy of your official college transcripts to your application. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. Please upload each document separately.

Please note: Applicants will be screened out for failure to attach the required resume and cover letter to their application.
Chemical/Biological Specialty

Positions in the State Police Laboratory biology, controlled substances, trace evidence or toxicology areas require possession of a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related pure or applied science.
View the entire job specification at:
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Updated: 2/28/24
01

FORNSCIA - Do you possess at least three years of post-degree professional experience working in a crime laboratory carrying out a variety of tests, analyses or production and research activities involving chemical, biochemical, biological or physical evidence samples, specimens, or products?

• Yes
• No

02

FORNSCI-CHEM - Do you possess a bachelor's degree or higher in forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related pure or applied science? If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a master's degree or higher-level degree in Forensic Science or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered yes to the above question, please list your awarded degree.
05

MSPCRIMHST - Please check all that apply.

• Convicted of a felony (provide date, offense, location and disposition below)
• Convicted of a misdemeanor (provide date, offense, location and disposition below)
• Felony criminal charges are pending (please explain below)
• None

06

MSPCRIMHST1 - If you selected an option other than "None," please describe each with the respective date, offense, location, and disposition. If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
07

MSPNEP - Please review the For this selection, is there a potential to violate the policy?

• Yes
• No

08

MSPNEP1 - If you responded "Yes" to potentially violating the , please provide the name and relationship of the individual. If none, please respond N/A.
09

Have you successfully completed a minimum of four courses covering the topics of Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Statistics or Population Genetics?

• Yes
• No

10

Please select the course(s) you have taken.

• Statistics
• Population Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Forensic Science Coursework

11

Please list the corresponding college, course number, course title, and number of credits earned for the courses identified in the previous question.
12

Have you ever been qualified as a DNA scientist in accordance with the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards for a Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory at an accredited laboratory?

• Yes
• No

13

Have you used or are you familiar with the CODIS database?

• Yes
• No

14

If you answered yes, please describe your knowledge of the software. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
15

Do you have any experience with laboratory instrumentation and procedures typically found in a forensic DNA laboratory? Specifically, DNA extraction, quantitative PCR, PCR amplification and capillary electrophoresis?

• Yes
• No

16

If you answered yes, please explain. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
17

Do you have experience using a Laboratory Information Management System?

• Yes
• No

18

If you answered yes, please explain. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
19

Do you have experience using Probabilistic Genotyping software?

• Yes
• No

20

If you answered yes, please explain. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
21

Do you have any experience with public speaking and/or providing training?

• Yes
• No

22

If you answer yes, please explain your experience. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
23

Do you have experience conducting research and/or validation studies in an academic or professional setting?

• Yes
• No

24

If you answered yes, please explain. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
25

Do you have any experience with software validation?

• Yes
• No

26

If you answered yes, please explain. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
27

Are you familiar with accreditation audits and compliance with established standards?

• Yes
• No

28

If you answered yes, please explain. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
29

MSPSOR - Where did you see or hear about this job vacancy?

• State of Michigan Job Opportunities Website
• College Communications
• Social Media - Facebook
• Social Media - LinkedIn
• Social Media - Twitter
• Social Media - Other
• Internet
• Job/Career Fair
• Family/Friend
• Professional association or organization
• Newsletter
• Billboard
• Other

30

MSPDOCS -