1

Forensic Dna Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Dna information

See Oregon salary details

$60.3K

$90.1K

$161.8K

How much do forensic dna jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic dna in Oregon is $90,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $89,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic DNA?

A Forensic DNA job involves the analysis of biological evidence, such as blood, hair, or saliva, to assist in criminal investigations. Professionals in this field extract, amplify, and compare DNA samples to identify individuals or verify relationships. They work in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, or private forensic firms, often testifying in court as expert witnesses. Their work helps solve crimes, exonerate the innocent, and provide crucial evidence in legal cases.

What are some typical challenges faced by forensic DNA analysts in their daily work?

Forensic DNA analysts often encounter the challenge of working with degraded or limited biological samples, which requires precision and advanced analytical techniques to obtain reliable results. They must also maintain stringent quality control standards and follow strict chain-of-custody procedures to ensure evidence integrity. The role can involve testifying in court and explaining complex scientific findings to non-experts, requiring strong communication skills. Additionally, analysts regularly collaborate with law enforcement, attorneys, and other forensic specialists, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the forensic DNA position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic DNA analyst, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Experience with DNA extraction, PCR, capillary electrophoresis, and familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are often required, along with certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure accurate analysis of forensic evidence, clear documentation, and the capacity to provide reliable testimony in legal settings.

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Forensic Dna jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Forensic Dna job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Dna job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,056 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

Central Point, OR • On-site


Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
1 - 5K employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$25K - $28K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Initial Posting Date:

06/09/2026

Application Deadline:

01/06/2027

Agency:

Oregon State Department of Police

Salary Range:

$25,477 - $28,089

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

Job Description:

Posting Title: Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point-REQ-XXXXXX

Salary Range: $25,477 - $28,089 Monthly

Add annual salary: $305,724 - $337,068

(7.5% differential added to base pay with board certification)

Initial Posting Date: 06/09/2026

Application Deadline: 01/06/2027

Agency: Oregon State Police

Location: Central Point, Oregon

The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Central Point, Oregon is hiring for one (1) Full-Time, Permanent Deputy State Medical Examiner positions.

This recruitment will remain open until January 6, 2027, or until filled, with application review dates occurring approximately every two weeks beginning June 24, 2026. We may close the announcement at any time after the review date if we have received an adequate number of applications. We cannot guarantee that we will consider applications received after this screening date. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying.

If you require an alternate format in order to complete the employment process, or to request a copy of the position description, please contact osp.recruiting@osp.oregon.gov and reference REQ-201337.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

What will you do?

The State Medical Examiner's Office is the sole provider of forensic pathology services throughout Oregon. Our team closely collaborates with the county medical examiners and medical legal death investigators employed by each county's death investigation program, providing technical supervision of all medicolegal death investigations.

Deputy State Medical Examiners are stationed in the Portland metro area (Clackamas), Eugene area, and Central Point, Oregon. Forensic pathologists at the State Medical Examiner's Clackamas location currently perform all medical legal autopsies for Northwestern, Eastern, and Central Oregon; however, a significant expansion of our program and other work facilities is underway. This growth includes development of a State Medical Examiner facility in Eugene. Once the Eugene building is completed, this facility in the Central Willamette Valley will accommodate autopsy services for some of the areas presently covered by the Portland area office. The Central Point position will offer opportunities to help develop our Southern Oregon office.

Our forensic pathologists are supported by a wonderful staff of well-trained autopsy technicians and administrative specialists. Our team also includes a full-time forensic anthropologist who oversees Oregon's Unidentified Human Remains program and provides consultations on skeletal remains. Toxicology testing is performed on-site by an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited laboratory.

Our office's work includes a teaching program providing regular lectures on legal medicine and death investigation to many groups, including students from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Western University School of Osteopathic Medicine, law students, pathology residents, medical legal death investigators, police officers, and healthcare professionals.

We offer paid licensure renewals, CME, professional memberships, and annual conference attendance, as well as generous relocation expense reimbursement.

We encourage current forensic pathology fellows to apply.

You will:

  • Perform autopsies and provide expert medical consultation in appropriate cases.

  • Share autopsy responsibilities with the State Medical Examiner and other Deputy State Medical Examiners, rotating weekend, night, holiday, and vacation coverage.

  • Write autopsy reports, and other reports as appropriate, relating to death investigations.

  • Provide training, as requested, to law enforcement agencies, county medical examiners, district attorneys, and medicolegal death investigators

You must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties. This includes cogently, accurately, and appropriately qualifying and explaining any results, conclusions, and opinions so their significance is understood.

*Please Note: As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Service and Pathology Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index, as well as maintain a valid Driver's License.

To learn more about the various Divisions, Programs, Sections or Units within Oregon State Police, click here.

What's in it for you?

  • Work/life balance.

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, 11 holidays and up to 24 hours of personal business leave a year.

  • Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as additional optional benefits.

  • Retirement programs through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and optional deferred compensation programs through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan.

  • Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carries your seniority and benefits with you.

  • Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.

  • Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.

  • Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

Minimum Qualifications (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration):

Graduation from an approved school of medicine with an MD or DO degree. Board certification or qualification for certification in anatomic or clinical/anatomic pathology from the American Board of Pathology (ABP) at time of hire. Board certification in forensic pathology within two years of hiring. Licensed to practice medicine in Oregon or the ability to obtain one at time of hire.

Note: If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.

A salary differential of 7.5% of base pay will be added upon board certification.

Preferred Skills:

  • Must be able to work cooperatively, cheerfully, and respectfully with other members of the medical examiner team.

  • Must have good communication skills and be able to work effectively with other agencies.

  • In addition to carrying an equitable share of the office caseload, it is expected that the successful applicant will assist in teaching pathology residents and medical students.

  • Experience crafting and executing policy recommendations and/or participation in quality assurance activities

  • On occasion, take part in public outreach in the form of lectures or conference attendance on behalf of the office.

  • Must, at all times, exhibit the utmost respect for the decedents entrusted to our care.

Special Qualifications:

  • Must possess a valid Driver's License.

  • Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.

  • As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Services and Pathology Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index.

Selection Process:

The process will be comprised of the following evaluation assessment (subject to change).

  • Interview

How to Apply:

Apply in Workday by the deadline listed above, failure to submit your application by 11:59PM of the above listed date will result in automatic disqualification of your application. You must submit a resume demonstrating your experience as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position. In addition to a resume, please submit a cover letter - no more than two pages in length - addressing how you meet each preferred skill for this position.. Please submit these documents in either MS Word or PDF format.Documents submitted in formats other than MS Word or PDF will not be reviewed and will result in disqualification of your application. Please only attach documents that are requested in this posting. Any additional documents that are submitted at this stage will not be reviewed. After applying be sure that you answer the questionnaires related to citizenship and Veteran's Preference points. In order to receive Veteran's Preference points, this is a required questionnaire.

The Oregon State Police does not offer visa sponsorships.

U.S. Veteran and/or Oregon National Guard Servicemember Status Designation

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

For more information, please visit Veterans Resources

Additional Information:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OSP

Background Hiring Information

Employee Benefits

Pay Equity Information & Resources

What You Need to Know to Get the Job



What Oregon Youth Authority employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom