1

Forensic Biologist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an ... and purity of biological substances and products. * Manage business operations for multiple ...

... forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an ... and purity of biological substances and products. * Manage business operations for multiple ...

Forensic Biologist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$42.1K

$101.7K

$157K

How much do forensic biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic biologist in Seattle, WA is $101,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,700.00 and $137,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Do forensic biologists make good money?

Forensic biologists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced certifications and working in government labs can lead to higher salaries, and the job often requires skills in DNA analysis and laboratory techniques.

Is a forensic biologist a good job?

A forensic biologist is a specialized scientist who analyzes biological evidence from crime scenes, often working in laboratories or crime labs. The role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of biology and DNA analysis, and typically involves a stable work schedule. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in criminal justice and scientific investigation, with job growth expected to be steady in forensic science fields.

What qualifications do you need to be a forensic biologist?

To become a forensic biologist, a bachelor's degree in biology, forensic science, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring or requiring a master's degree. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, DNA analysis, and familiarity with forensic tools; certifications such as the American Board of Criminalistics can enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Forensic Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Biologist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,744 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Field Application Scientist

Waters Corporation

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview

Waters is a leader in life sciences tools, starting with liquid chromatography technologies in the 1960s. Since then, Waters has pioneered analytical techniques across markets including Clinical Diagnostics, Food & Environmental, Pharmaceuticals, and Materials. In Advanced Diagnostics, Waters has leading LC-MS technologies, which are already used for many applications including therapeutic drug monitoring, newborn screening, toxicology, and endocrinology. Our vision is for Waters to lead the continued broad-based adoption of LC-MS in the clinical and forensics space.

As a Field Application Scientist, you will support both our clinical and forensic customers through pre-sales and post-sales activities. Reporting to the US Applications and Support Manager, you will join a passionate, agile team to develop innovative solutions to address high unmet needs and establish Waters as the leader in clinical LC-MS diagnostics markets.

So, are you looking for an impactful role for a fast-growing company that helps advance science and human well-being? Would you like the freedom of being field based where no day is the same and you get the opportunity to become a trusted advisor to our customers? Do you want to work for a global best-in-class, innovative technology organization who are highly focussed and committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? If your answers are yes, then we would love to hear from you!

With Waters being a Global Organization, there are endless opportunities for you to learn, grow and develop. Many of our team members have advanced their careers either in their current roles or moving into different parts of our business such as service, sales, global support, and leadership.

Responsibilities

What do our Field Application Scientists do? Below are some of the key responsibilities:

  • Train and support our customers with their Waters LC/MS instruments, both remotely and on-site.
  • Demonstrate Waters clinical solutions to our customers through sample analyses in our demo lab facilities.
  • Support our sales colleagues with technical expertise through joint visits, trade shows, and internal meetings.
  • Work closely together with our service organization by analyzing and reviewing system and scientific data, to determine the source of problems and recommend corrective actions.
  • Manage customer expectations by communicating work performed and providing follow-up plans if required.
  • Build strong rapport and trusted advisor partnerships with our customer base to provide them with suitable advice and support on Waters products and services - always looking for potential opportunities as to how Waters can further advance their laboratory operations.

To achieve the above, you will get the best possible training by our global Clinical Applications and Support Team and embark on a continuous learning and development pathway.

Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

  • The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline with 1-2 years of experience, or, a Master of Science degree with 3-5 years of experience. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree will be considered with more than 5 years of in-depth LC/MS experience.
  • We are seeking a true expert in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry method development and troubleshooting. Familiarization with Waters instruments and software (Waters_Connect and MassLynx) is a plus.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience with both tandem mass spectrometry instruments and high resolution mass spectrometry instruments.
  • We are seeking a candidate with experience in large molecule applications such as peptide mapping, peptide quantitation, proteins, or nanoflow chromatography as it relates to large molecule mass spec.
  • Experience with metabolomics/lipidomics applications in a clinical research domain is an advantage.
  • Understanding of clinical or forensic LC-MS/MS workflows is an advantage.
  • This position will require 50-75% travel throughout the U.S. and Canada. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license and passport. Preference will be given to candidates in the Pacific and Mountain time zones with close access to a major U.S. airport.
  • We are seeking a personable individual with a passion for customer success, with the ability to explain complex scientific methodology to our customers.
  • Fluency in Spanish is an advantage but is not a requirement for this position.
Company Description

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT)  is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.  

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Key Words#LC/MS #HRMS #massspec #science #lab #chemistry #analytical #clinicaldiagnostics #toxicology #forensics #IVDREmployment Type: OTHER