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Forensic Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jefferson County (TX)

Forensic Scientist

Beaumont, TX

$33.99/hr

Baccalaureate or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or forensic science from an accredited university; must have a minimum of twenty-four semester credit hours in college level ...

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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 Jun 16, 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.

Is a forensic scientist a 9-5 job?

Forensic biologists often work standard daytime hours, but their schedules can vary depending on case deadlines, lab needs, or crime scene investigations, which may require evening or weekend work. Flexibility and readiness to respond to emergencies are common in this field, especially for those involved in crime scene analysis or court appearances.

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 jobs can you get with forensic biology?

Forensic biologists can work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or forensic consulting firms, analyzing biological evidence such as blood, hair, and DNA samples. They often perform DNA testing, evidence collection, and report writing, requiring skills in laboratory techniques and knowledge of forensic science protocols.

What do forensic biologist do?

A forensic biologist analyzes biological evidence from crime scenes, such as blood, hair, and DNA samples, to help identify suspects or victims. They use laboratory techniques like DNA profiling and often work closely with law enforcement agencies in a controlled environment. Certification and knowledge of laboratory safety are important in this field.

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.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

A forensic biologist is typically not a police officer and does not need to be a sworn law enforcement officer to work in crime scene investigation. They often work in laboratories analyzing biological evidence and may collaborate with law enforcement agencies, but being a CSI usually requires specialized training in forensic science rather than police academy certification.

What are forensic biologists?

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.
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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:
Forensic Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Biologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 39% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 53% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Forensic Scientist IV (Firearms)

Forensic Scientist IV (Firearms)

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Salary : $109,852.70 Annually
Location : Phoenix, AZ
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 6418FA-26E-01
Division: Agency Support Division
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Summary Statement
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking experienced and motivated individuals to join our team as a Forensic Scientist specializing in the Firearms discipline. Utilizes chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence which may include: controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine, and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents; latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value. Prepares technical reports; provides expert testimony in court; provides technical advice and guidance to and trains other forensic scientists; recommends revisions to analytical methodology and purchase of scientific equipment; serves as an experienced casework analyst working complex cases within the discipline and performs related tasks as required. Supervision is received from a Supervising Forensic Scientist. This may be a competitive OR a progressive classification.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eighteen-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in the Phoenix area. Recruitment may close without notice.
Must successfully complete the examination process.
Written Examination PASS/FAIL
Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) 100%
NOTE: Transcript copies (official or unofficial) are required with your application.
If you have a disability which may require an accommodation, please notify
in writing prior to the test date.
Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)
1. Examines, identifies, and evaluates suspected evidence which may include blood, semen, hair, fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, questioned documents, fire accelerants, soils, firearms, latent prints, drugs, poisons, alcoholic beverages, etc. Utilizes physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, comparative, classification, computer, molecular biology, chromatographic and visualization techniques and instrumentation which may include gas chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray, variable wavelength forensic light sources, spectrofluorimetry, and immunoassay.
2. Prepares technical written reports in order to document scientific analyses and results.
3. Attends pre-trial conferences, prepares exhibits for courtroom use, and provides expert testimony in courts throughout the state.
4. Discusses laboratory test results and evidence collection with officers and attorneys.
5. Remains current on scientific advancements in the forensic field through technical publications, presentations and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies.
6. Responds to crime scene incidents in order to gather, preserve and move items of evidence to crime lab for further analysis.
7. Researches and evaluates new methods of analysis to update scientific methodology.
8. Provides general scientific information in response to questions from Department staff, other agencies and the public.
9. Provides technical advice and guidance to other forensic scientists with difficult analyses.
10. Trains new forensic scientists in laboratory methodology and in skills required to attain courtroom qualification.
11. Instructs law enforcement personnel in training schools throughout the state in laboratory procedures such as recognizing, handling and examining physical evidence.
12. Recommends purchase of scientific equipment and supplies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Knowledge of:
1. principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, biology (including molecular biology), toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, or related sciences.
2. basic uses and effects of controlled substances.
3. hazards and toxicity of chemicals.
4. statutes and case law applicable to assigned forensic discipline and use of physical evidence in court.
5. rules of criminal procedure concerning time limits, discovery, evidence and expert witnesses.
6. crime scene procedures.
7. techniques for processing items of evidence at crime scenes.
8. mathematics related to analyzing scientific data.
9. coaching and training techniques to provide technical advice, guidance and training.
Skill in:
1. operating laboratory instruments, equipment and computer systems related to areas of responsibility.
Ability to:
1. define problems, establish facts, interpret information and draw valid scientific conclusions.
2. recognize minute differences in shape and form.
3. chemically identify and quantitate compounds such as drugs, diluents and poisons.
4. interpret scientific data to establish statistical probabilities of origin of biological and commercial products.
5. effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing.
6. testify and undergo intense examination in court.
7. perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.
8. read and interpret scientific materials.
9. organize, conduct and evaluate scientific research
10. handle routine contact with criminal justice members and the public.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May be exposed to fumes or dust, bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals or materials that transmit infectious disease (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B), are corrosive, carcinogenic, or explosive.
May be required to move items up to twenty (20) pounds.
Must be able to respond to crime scenes and court appearances as needed.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in biology, chemistry or closely related physical or natural sciences with either a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in chemistry or a minimum of twenty (20) semester hours of chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry; a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory; demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline with at least three (3) years of experience within the discipline; and court or professional presentation experience applicable to forensics.
Additional forensic scientist experience, beyond the required ten (10) years, may substitute for semester hours of chemistry (one (1) year additional forensic scientist experience equals ten (10) semester hours). Up to five (5) years of the required experience may be substituted with professional experience obtained in a clinical or research laboratory, provided the experience involved analytical or technical laboratory work applicable to forensic laboratory testing and reporting.
Must successfully complete the examination process.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked
01
Are you legally entitled to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in biology, chemistry or a closely related physical or natural science?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If applicable, please list your degree and major.
04
Select the option which best describes how you meet the minimum forensic scientist/criminalist work experience and chemistry semester hours requirementAdditional forensic scientist experience, beyond the required 10 years, may substitute for semester hours of chemistry (one (1) year additional forensic scientist experience equals 10 chemistry semester hours). Up to five (5) years of the required experience may be substituted with professional experience obtained in a clinical or research laboratory, provided the experience involved analytical or technical laboratory work applicable to forensic laboratory testing and reporting.
  • 10 years of forensic scientist experience and a minimum of 30 semester hours in chemistry
  • 10 years of forensic scientist experience and a minimum of 20 semester hours of chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry
  • 10 years of forensic scientist experience with additional years of forensic scientist/criminalist experience and chemistry semester units totaling at least 13 years
  • 10 years of forensic scientist experience with additional years of forensic scientist/criminalist experience and chemistry semester units with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry totaling at least 12 years
  • None of the above

05
Do you understand you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application? Otherwise, your application may be rejected and deemed incomplete.
  • Yes
  • No

06
How many semester hours have you completed in chemistry? You must upload a copy of your college transcripts with your application.
07
How many semester hours have you completed in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry?
08
How many years of experience do you have as a forensic scientist/criminalist in a recognized crime laboratory?
  • Less than 10 years
  • At least 10 years
  • At least 11 years
  • At least 12 years
  • At least 13 years
  • More than 13 years

09
Select each forensic discipline or sub-discipline in which you specialize or are proficient. (Select all that apply.)
  • Blood Alcohol
  • Controlled Substances
  • DNA
  • Latent Prints
  • Questioned Documents
  • Serology
  • Trace Analysis
  • Toxicology
  • None of the above

10
Do you have at least three (3) years of demonstrated experience/competency in at least one forensic discipline?
  • Yes
  • No

11
List in which forensic discipline(s) you have at least three (3) years of demonstrated experience/competency. You may list more than one, however, the 3 years should be specific to one discipline and not a combined total.
12
Do you possess court or professional presentation experience applicable to forensics?
  • Yes
  • No

13
I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements and working conditions associated with this classification.
  • Yes
  • No

14
DPS Guidelines for Tattoos, Body Art, and Body Alterations include but are not limited to the following:• Tattoos, body art, and body alterations on exposed areas of the head, face, tongue, mouth, teeth, neck, and chest, are prohibited.• Tattoos on the face are prohibited, except for cosmetic tattoos correcting medical conditions or permanent facial makeup that adheres to grooming standards.I understand, if employed by the Department of Public Safety, I will need to meet the standards above.
  • Yes
  • No

15
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona?
  • Yes
  • No

16
I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my background including any past drug use. Providing untruthful or misleading answers will result in disqualification. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection.
  • Yes
  • No

17
Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other illegal drug, for sale?
  • Yes
  • No

18
Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, marijuana extracts, or marijuana edibles) legally or illegally within the last six (6) months.
  • None
  • 1 - 5 times
  • 6 - 10 times
  • 11 - 20 times
  • 21 - 30 times
  • More than 30 times

19
Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)
  • None
  • 1 time
  • 2 - 3 times
  • 4 - 5 times
  • 6 - 8 times
  • more than 8 times

20
Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)
  • None
  • 1 time
  • 2 - 3 times
  • 4 - 5 times
  • 6 - 8 times
  • more than 8 times

21
Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)
  • None
  • 1 time
  • 2 - 3 times
  • 4 - 5 times
  • 6 - 8 times
  • more than 8 times

22
Please select the option below which details any Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.
  • None
  • 1 - 5 times
  • 6 - 10 times
  • 11 - 20 times
  • 21 - 30 times
  • More than 30 times

23
Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.
  • None
  • 1 - 5 times

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