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Forensic Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do forensic biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Biologist, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory analysis, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with DNA analysis techniques, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics are commonly required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately analyzing evidence and presenting findings. These competencies ensure the integrity of forensic investigations and support the accurate delivery of evidence in legal contexts.

What is the difference between Forensic Biologist vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic BiologistForensic Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Microbiology, or related fields; certifications varyVaries; often includes degrees in biology, chemistry, or forensic science; certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, crime scenes, research facilitiesCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, research institutions
Industry UsagePrimarily in biological analysis, DNA testing, and specimen analysisBroader scope including chemical analysis, ballistics, and toxicology

While both roles work within forensic science, forensic biologists focus on biological evidence like DNA, whereas forensic scientists may handle a wider range of evidence types. The roles often overlap, but forensic biologists specialize in biological analysis and DNA testing within crime investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic biologists during evidence analysis?

Forensic biologists often encounter challenges such as working with degraded, limited, or contaminated biological samples, which can affect the accuracy of results. They must adhere to strict chain-of-custody protocols and maintain meticulous documentation to ensure evidence integrity. Additionally, balancing the need for thorough analysis with tight case deadlines and collaborating closely with law enforcement, attorneys, and other forensic specialists requires strong communication and organizational skills.

What is a forensic biologist?

Forensic biologists are scientists who apply biological principles and techniques to help solve crimes. They analyze biological evidence such as blood, hair, saliva, and other bodily fluids to identify victims or suspects and to reconstruct events related to criminal cases. Their work often involves DNA analysis, microscopic examination, and working closely with law enforcement agencies. Forensic biologists may also testify in court as expert witnesses and contribute to criminal investigations by providing scientific insights.
More about Forensic Biologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Biologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Biologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Biologist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Biologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Criminalist IB (Forensic Biology)

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

617th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Department of Forensic Biology and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, level IV, the selected candidate will be responsible for assisting in conducting scientific analyses performed on biological specimens brought to the Forensic Biology Department of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York. Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Assists in the DNA analysis of evidentiary material such as hairs, body fluids, and other biological evidence, using state-of-the-art molecular techniques.
- Performs administrative review on case files for casework.
- Receives comprehensive training and instruction in the various techniques used in the collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of evidentiary materials.
- Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other training and development activities
- Receives training in the routine preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
- Other duties as assigned.
SPECIAL NOTE
- Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
- This position has been identified as essential. During emergency events, essential positions may require 24-hour availability.
WORK AUTHORIZATION:
Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.
***Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position. FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECCT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL.***
CRIMINALIST - 21849

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
4. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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