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Forensic Biology Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Biology information

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$36.9K

$54.5K

$81.7K

How much do forensic biology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic biology in Reston, VA is $54,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $57,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with my forensic biology degree?

A forensic biology degree prepares individuals for roles such as forensic biologist, crime scene investigator, or laboratory analyst, involving the analysis of biological evidence like blood, hair, and tissue. These positions often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, DNA analysis, and familiarity with forensic tools and protocols, and may involve working in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, or forensic consulting firms.

What is forensic biology?

Forensic biology is the science of using biology to solve problems or mysteries in both criminal and civil investigations as well as other medical sciences, such as forensic anthropology and evolutionary biology. In general research work, forensic biology is often used in combination with archaeology and anthropology to ask questions and find answers about death using fossil records of an organism. For example, performing a large scale study about the presence of heart disease in the Ice Age may provide important clues to human medical history or how the environment affects evolution and life. In law enforcement, meanwhile, forensic biology is used to investigate crime scenes, identify victims or suspects, and can be used to exonerate the wrongly accused.

What is the difference between Forensic Biology vs Forensic Serologist?

AspectForensic BiologyForensic Serologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, forensic science, or related field; certifications in forensic scienceSimilar credentials; often includes training in serology and immunology
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, crime scenes, forensic laboratoriesCrime labs, forensic laboratories, sometimes fieldwork
Industry UsageUsed broadly in forensic investigations involving biological evidenceSpecialized in blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids analysis
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in biological evidence analysisRelated but more focused on serological testing techniques

Forensic Biology and Forensic Serologist both analyze biological evidence, but forensic biology covers a broader range of biological materials, while forensic serology specializes in blood and bodily fluids. Both roles require similar education and work environments, making them closely related in forensic investigations.

What is forensic biology?

Forensic biology is a branch of forensic science that applies the principles and techniques of biology to legal investigations. Forensic biologists analyze biological evidence such as blood, hair, saliva, and other bodily fluids to help identify victims and suspects or determine the circumstances of a crime. Their work often involves DNA analysis, which can be used to match evidence from a crime scene to individuals. Forensic biologists may work in laboratories, at crime scenes, or provide expert testimony in court. Their findings play a critical role in solving crimes and ensuring justice.

What does a forensic biologist do?

A forensic biologist analyzes biological evidence from crime scenes, such as blood, hair, and tissue samples, to identify and compare DNA. They often work in laboratories using techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, and electrophoresis, and their work supports criminal investigations and court cases.

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 solid background in biology, chemistry, and genetics, usually supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, DNA analysis techniques, and systems like CODIS is crucial, and many employers seek certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are soft skills that distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills ensure accurate evidence analysis, clear reporting, and reliable testimony, which are critical for supporting criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges forensic biologists face when working with biological evidence?

Forensic biologists often encounter biological samples that are degraded, contaminated, or present in very small quantities. This makes extracting reliable DNA or other biological information challenging and requires meticulous laboratory techniques. Working under strict chain-of-custody protocols and maintaining accurate documentation are also essential to ensure evidence integrity. Additionally, forensic biologists frequently collaborate with law enforcement and legal professionals, which means clear communication and the ability to explain scientific findings to non-experts are crucial skills.

Are forensic biologists in demand?

Forensic biologists are in increasing demand due to the growth of forensic science and crime laboratories. They typically require strong laboratory skills, knowledge of DNA analysis, and relevant certifications, making job opportunities more available in law enforcement agencies, private labs, and government agencies.

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 skills, certifications, and working in government or private labs can lead to higher compensation.
More about Forensic Biology jobs
What job categories do people searching Forensic Biology jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Biology jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Forensic Biology jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Forensic Biology job openings:
Forensic Biology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Biology job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,511 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Biometrics I2 Analyst

Native American Technology Corporation

Quantico, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
In support of Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA), NATECH is recruiting for a Biometrics/ I2 Analyst to conduct analytic production on the full range of unique identifying human characteristics and modalities to include, but not limited to, fingerprints, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), iris scans, voiceprints, facial recognition features, and behavior for the purposes of identifying and tracking persons and networks. Fuses identity attributes to include, but not limited to, biographical, biological, behavioral, contextual, and reputational information related to individuals and intelligence associated with those attributes to identify and assess threat individuals and networks, their capabilities and capacity, centers of gravity, objectives, intent, and potential courses of action. Analyzes friendly and adversary biometric systems to understand their capabilities, vulnerabilities, and to inform the U.S. Defense Acquisition Community. Supports the production and coordination of doctrine and policy documents, in accordance with applicable DoD authorities and guidance, to facilitate and advance I2 across the DIE.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conduct MULTI-INT triage, research, exploitation, organization, prioritization, analysis production, and dissemination in accordance with (IAW) Government priorities policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
  • Provide expertise to provide support in all facets of I2 analysis, including, but not limited to, triage, research, exploitation, analysis, production, and dissemination of Biometric, Forensic, Face & Image Analysis, Cellular Exploitation (CELLEX), Document and Media Exploitation (DOMEX) derived products, and I2 training.
  • Develop products to include, but not be limited to, finished intelligence, biometric/biographic-related analysis reports, SIGINT or CELLEX-related analysis reports, DOMEX derived reports, All-source analysis reports, analytic briefings, RFI responses, similar products, training material, or future developed analytical products.
  • Exploit identity-related information, all-source/multi-intelligence information, cellular-derived information, and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), in order to extract additional information using advanced analytic tools and methods to produce All-Source intelligence products up to a 24/7/365-366 shift environment.
  • Utilize DONISIS, BI2R, or any other additional or future systems or repositories for research and exploitation.
  • Ensure information contained within reports is intelligible, cogent, comprehensive, understandable, and proper syntax, formatting, and classifications are provided.
  • Demonstrate working knowledge and apply Identity Intelligence technical subject matter expertise of Electronic Fingerprint Transaction (EFT) files, Originating Identifiers (ORIs), Transaction Control Numbers (TCNs), Biometric Identifiers (BIDs), and other I2 biometric-related information.
  • Provide up to 24/7/365-366 support for the management of DoD Biometric-Enabled Watchlist (BEWL) and National Level Watchlisting operations, to include but not limited to: encounter management; nomination support, change requests, removal requests; RFIs; and/or other future BEWL or other Watchlisting type products at the DoD and National Levels.
  • Triage, research, exploit, analyze, produce, and disseminate I2 information to support national level watchlisting in order to operationalize the output of biometric or forensic-enabled intelligence (BEI/FEI) and identity intelligence (I2) derived data to fulfill the DoD component of Homeland Security Presidential Directives 6, 11, and 24.
  • Coordinate reach back I2 support for deployed forces and perform supporting tasks to successfully execute the I2 mission.
  • Provide tactical, operational, and national-level I2 support to all conventional USMC forces, as well as Government approved partner forces.
  • Provide up to 24/7/365-366 I2 support to all CONUS and OCONUS operations.
  • Manage/exploit I2 information using tools including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, tools, and databases.
  • Perform case management for all Department of Navy Identification and Screening Information System (DONISIS) submissions.
  • Monitor all shared inboxes on all required networks and forward pertinent emails to the appropriate Identity Intelligence Analysis Cell (I2AC) leadership. Coordinate with other organizations including, but not limited to, Data Forensics and Biometrics Agency (DFBA), National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and FBI Special Investigative Unit (SIU).
  • Apply forensics methodologies and analytical processes to identify, extract, exploit, and disseminate I2 information from documents and media seized during military operations.
  • Extract facial images from media for further exploitation.
  • Establish a process for continually improving the selection and prioritization of files/documents to identify those with high potential for yielding relevant information.
  • Establish and maintain a record of documents reviewed.
  • Assess identity attributes contained in images and videos in order to achieve identity resolution for persons of interest to USMC and partner forces.
  • Conduct tasks to include, but not limited to, 1:N searches, 1:1 comparison, image optimization, image/video authentication, metadata analysis, identifying geolocations.
  • Conduct open source and classified research for high-quality images & videos.
  • Utilize facial recognition enabled software and databases.
  • Maintain collaborative relationships with other Facial Identification (FI) enabled organizations and leverage their expertise.
  • Produce and disseminate Facial Comparison Analysis Reports (FCAR) or Media Exploitation (MEDEX) Rollups.
  • Shift work - start and end times will be at discretion of I2 Branch supervisors/leadership.

Requirements
  • Must possess an active TS SCI clearance
  • Must have relevant and demonstrated experience.
  • Demonstrates ability to work semi-independently with oversight and direction.
  • Demonstrates ability to use logic when evaluating and synthesizing multiple sources of information.
  • Demonstrates understanding of interpreting analysis to include, but not limited to, its meaning, importance, and implications.
  • Demonstrates ability to defend analytic judgements with sound, logical conclusions and adapt analytic judgments when presented with new information, evolving conditions, or unexpected developments.
  • Demonstrates ability to produce timely, logical, and concise analytic reports, documents, assessments, studies, and briefing materials in formats including Microsoft Office tools (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), electronic/ soft copy matrices and / or web-enabled formats.
  • Demonstrates ability to communicate complex issues clearly in a concise and organized manner both verbally and non-verbally; with strong grammar skills. Demonstrates proficiency using Microsoft Office tools.
  • Demonstrates ability to develop structured research including, but not limited to, obtaining, evaluating, organizing, and maintaining information within security and data protocols.
  • Demonstrates ability to recognize nuances and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies in information.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge using complex analytic methodologies, such as structured analytic techniques or alternative approaches. to examine biases, assumptions, and theories to eliminate uncertainty, strengthen analytic arguments, and mitigate surprise. Structured analytic techniques include, but not limited to, Analysis of Competing Hypotheses, Devil's Advocacy, High-Impact/ Low-Impact Analysis, Red Team Analysis and Alternative Futures Analysis.
  • Demonstrates understanding of intelligence collection capabilities and limitations, to include but not limited to, technical sensors / platforms and human intelligence sources.
  • Demonstrates understanding of evaluating collected intelligence reporting, engaging with collection managers, and developing collection requirements.

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