Forensic Scientist

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Join the Centre of Forensic Sciences, Biology Section, as a Forensic Scientist and play a pivotal role in supporting Ontario's justice system. In this dynamic and highly specialized role, you will oversee forensic scientific testing and examinations, interpret complex scientific data, issue test reports and opinions, and testify as an expert in courts of law and other tribunals.
At the Centre of Forensic Sciences, every case presents a unique challenge and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. As one of Canada's leading forensic laboratories, CFS provides critical forensic testing services for criminal and non-criminal investigations across Ontario. Operating at the intersection of science and law, we work independently of, but in partnership with, police, prosecutors, and other stakeholders while maintaining our commitment to objective, unbiased scientific analysis.

If you are passionate about applying advanced science to real-world investigations, thrive in a collaborative environment, are committed to continuous learning and are ready to contribute your expertise to matters of significant public importance, we invite you to join our team.

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About the job

In this role, you will:
• direct the examination of items for the presence of blood, other body fluids and DNA deposits
• interpret the results of body fluid tests and DNA tests
• prepare written test reports
• research, formulate, write, and convey expert opinions and defend these in an adversarial justice system
• travel throughout Ontario to present complex scientific information as an expert witness in court
• participate in client education
• mentor and educate junior staff
• lead and/or participate in research and developmental projects

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• You have honours B.A./B. Sc with emphasis in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or equivalent

Technical knowledge

You have:
• work experience and knowledge of scientific theories, methods, techniques, and advances in forensic sciences and other specialized disciplines such as biology, biochemistry, and genetics
• knowledge of forensic biology to direct a wide variety of serological examinations and DNA profiling of body substances by the use and application of relevant analytical instrumentation and procedures
• knowledge of quality assurance programs and requirements to ensure delivery of a quality forensic biology service

• You are proficient with word processing, databases, and laboratory information management

Communication and presentation skills

You can:
• present complex scientific information to both lay and professional audiences
• prepare scientific papers in the field of forensic biology and related areas of expertise
• present forensic evidence in court as an expert witness, within the adversarial justice system

Leadership and teamwork skills

You can:
• provide expertise, advice and assistance related to testing and examination approaches
• manage priorities, evaluate and direct the work required of a forensic biology examination
• build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse colleagues, both in a team environment and on an individual basis
• lead and carry out applied research projects effectively and independently

**Important application instructions**
As part of the application process, you must submit a written response to the below and attach to your cover letter and resume and upload as one document.

In a single paragraph, describe the challenges and/or considerations associated with technological advances in DNA analysis that enable the detection and interpretation of very low levels of DNA.

Information session
Want to learn more about this opportunity?
Join us for an information session on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST where you will have a chance to find out more about the job, the team and the Branch, and have an opportunity for a Q&A period.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Register Here

Attendance at the session is optional and will have no impact on hiring decisions.

Note
• The results of this competition may be used to fill upcoming permanent or temporary vacancies within 14 months of the conclusion of this recruitment.
• This role involves regular exposure to accounts and physical evidence of violent crimes and may not be suitable for all people.

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Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

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How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer  accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please  contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

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Additional information:

Note:

• About security checks:
  A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
  If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
  Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.
• T-SL-246177/26(4)

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How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.