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Forensic Chemist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Support Application Engineers and Chemists with laboratory testing and data generation . * Prepare cleaners, pretreatments, paints, coatings, and related formulations from chemical ingredients ...

Laboratory Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Maintain a clean and organized workspace following 5S methodologies. * Assist Senior Technicians or Chemists as needed with experiments and sample preparation. Qualifications * 1-3 years of hands-on ...

TAE Technologies is a leader in commercial fusion energy, founded in 1998 with a mission to deliver clean, sustainable energy to the world. Using our proprietary Field Reversed Configuration (FRC ...

Laboratory Technician I

Rialto, CA · On-site

$34.38 - $35.59/hr

Associate's degree or equivalent, with coursework in qualitative and quantitative Chemistry or biology preferred. (Must meet minimum qualifications established by regulatory agencies if working in a ...

The role involves coordinating daily lab activities and collaborating with chemists and management to improve testing methods and procedures. Additionally, the technician mentors junior staff ...

The role involves coordinating daily lab activities and collaborating with chemists and management to improve testing methods and procedures. Additionally, the technician mentors junior staff ...

The role involves coordinating daily lab activities and collaborating with chemists and management to improve testing methods and procedures. Additionally, the technician mentors junior staff ...

Lab Technician

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Associates degree or Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Laboratory Science, or a related scientific field preferred. * Relevant laboratory coursework or technical training required. * Experience

Lab Technician

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$26 - $38/hr

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Laboratory Science, or a related scientific field preferred. * Relevant laboratory coursework or technical training required.

Lab Technician

Ontario, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Completes special testing projects assigned by chemist and R & D manager * Makes sample for customers as requested by sales and customer service departments * Uses laboratory mixing, performing and ...

Lab Technician

Ontario, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Completes special testing projects assigned by chemist and R & D manager * Makes sample for customers as requested by sales and customer service departments * Uses laboratory mixing, performing and ...

Showing results 21-40

Forensic Chemist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.3K

$71.1K

$99.1K

How much do forensic chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic chemist in Riverside, CA is $71,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic chemist?

A forensic chemist usually assists medical examiners with post-mortem toxicology and evidence, but forensic roles can extend beyond investigations into causes of death. Responsibilities include processing information and chemicals, analyzing toxicology reports, performing chemical tests on specimens, and working with a team of experts to draw conclusions based on the data. Duties can also consist of managing computer programs and processes, working with chemicals and lab tools, following laboratory safety regulations, and applying forensic science to solve mysteries. Forensic science uses science, chemistry, and minute details to draw conclusions and decipher clues.

What does a forensic chemist do?

A forensic chemist analyzes physical evidence collected from crime scenes to help solve criminal cases. They use scientific techniques to identify and quantify substances such as drugs, explosives, toxins, and other chemical materials. Their findings are often used in court to support investigations and prosecutions. Forensic chemists must follow strict procedures to ensure the integrity of their results, and they often collaborate with law enforcement and legal professionals.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and evidence analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or a related science. Familiarity with analytical instruments like GC-MS, FTIR, and proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are commonly required, along with relevant certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills are essential soft skills for accurate reporting and courtroom testimony. These competencies ensure scientific integrity, reliable results, and the clear communication necessary for the legal process.

What are some common challenges a forensic chemist faces when analyzing evidence?

Forensic Chemists often encounter challenges such as working with limited or degraded samples, which require careful handling and advanced analytical techniques to obtain reliable results. Maintaining the integrity of evidence and avoiding contamination are critical, as even minor errors can compromise a case. Additionally, Forensic Chemists must stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and adhere to strict legal and procedural standards, often collaborating closely with law enforcement and legal teams to ensure their findings are clearly understood and admissible in court.

What is the difference between Forensic Chemist vs Forensic Toxicologist?

AspectForensic ChemistForensic Toxicologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; certification often preferredDegree in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related; certification like Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (DABFT)
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, government labsCrime labs, hospitals, law enforcement, government agencies
Industry UsageAnalyzing chemical substances, drugs, and unknown materialsDetecting and analyzing toxins, drugs, poisons in biological samples

While both roles work within forensic science and often in similar environments, forensic chemists focus on chemical analysis of substances, whereas forensic toxicologists specialize in detecting toxins and drugs in biological samples. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Chemist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Forensic Chemist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Forensic Chemist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Forensic Chemist job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Chemist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,132 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

$23 - $33.42/hr

Full-time

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


San Antonio Regional Hospital rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Overview
JOB SUMMARY
Assists the Clinical Lab Scientist in the performance of laboratory testing, including operation and troubleshooting of various Laboratory analyzers in Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis and Microbiology. Processes and distributes specimens for testing and sendout referral to reference labs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
Experience: One (1) year previous venipuncture experience in an acute hospital or healthcare field in related work, and one (1) year previous experience as a laboratory technician in an acute hospital preferred.
License and Certifications: State-approved phlebotomy certificate.
Equipment: Able to operate and troubleshoot various automated Laboratory analyzers in Chemistry, Hematology, Special Chemistry, Coagulation, Urinalysis and Microbiology.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform the essential physical requirments of the job as noted in the job description.
PAY RANGE
$23.00 - $33.42
The posted pay range reflects the lowest to highest pay that was available for this position at the time of posting and may be subject to change. Salary offers are determined by candidate's relevant experience and skills. For per diem positions, a standard rate is used based on market data and not the candidate's individual experience.

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