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Forensic Drug Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA · On-site

Description SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic Drug Chemist with a strong ... Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university in chemistry or other related ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Pearl, MS · On-site

Bachelor's degree accredited four-year college/university in chemistry or other related science ... Minimum of three (3) years of recent work experience as a Forensic Drug Chemist working as a bench ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA · On-site

SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic Drug Chemistwith a strong work ethic to ... Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university in chemistry or other related ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Pearl, MS

SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic Drug Chemistwith a strong work ethic to ... Bachelor's degree accredited four-year college/university in chemistry or other related science ...

WSU -

Instructor of Chemistry

Dayton, OH · On-site

Experience developing analytical chemistry experiments and forensic chemistry experiments, including forensic drug analysis * Documented pedagogical and curricular success at the college level ...

State of Iowa

Forensic Science Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$47K - $70K/yr

The Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking to fill a Forensic Science Technician position specializing in Drug Chemistry within the Division of Criminal Investigation's Criminalistics Laboratory.

CFSRE

Forensic Chemist

Horsham, PA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Lead and participate in research projects that expand the horizons of forensic chemistry ... Design, validate, and apply analytical methods for drug material testing, including quantitation ...

County of Santa Clara

Criminalist I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$98K - $119K/yr

Typical Tasks Performs analysis and examines physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic ...

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Forensic Drug Chemistry information

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$29K

$68.2K

$95K

How much do forensic drug chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic drug chemistry in the United States is $68,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic drug chemistry?

Forensic drug chemistry is a specialized field within forensic science that focuses on the identification and analysis of illegal and controlled substances. Forensic drug chemists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes, such as powders, pills, and liquids, to determine the presence and composition of drugs. Their work is critical for law enforcement investigations, as it helps confirm or refute the presence of illicit substances and supports the prosecution or defense in legal cases. These analyses are performed using advanced laboratory techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic drug chemist?

To thrive as a Forensic Drug Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or a related science, typically with a bachelor’s or advanced degree and experience in analytical laboratory techniques. Familiarity with instruments such as GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, and knowledge of chain-of-custody protocols and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help ensure accurate data interpretation and clear reporting for legal proceedings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for generating reliable scientific evidence and maintaining the integrity of forensic investigations.

What are some typical challenges faced by forensic drug chemists when analyzing complex substances in the lab?

Forensic drug chemists often encounter samples that contain mixtures of substances, cutting agents, or new synthetic drugs, which can complicate identification and analysis. Staying updated with emerging trends in illicit drug formulation and using advanced instrumentation, like GC-MS or LC-MS, are essential to ensure accurate results. Additionally, managing high caseloads and adhering to strict chain-of-custody and quality assurance protocols are ongoing challenges that require strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Forensic Drug Chemistry vs Forensic Toxicology?

AspectForensic Drug ChemistryForensic Toxicology
Required CredentialsDegree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field; certification often preferredDegree in toxicology, pharmacology, or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, research facilitiesCrime labs, medical examiner offices, hospitals
Industry UsageAnalyzing controlled substances, drug identificationDetecting toxins, poisons, and drug effects on humans
Common Search/ComparisonForensic Drug Chemistry vs Forensic Toxicology

While both roles involve analyzing substances in forensic settings, Forensic Drug Chemistry focuses on identifying and quantifying controlled substances and drugs, whereas Forensic Toxicology examines toxins and poisons affecting human health. Both careers require chemistry-related degrees and work in crime labs, but they serve different investigative purposes.

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What cities are hiring for Forensic Drug Chemistry jobs?

Cities with the most Forensic Drug Chemistry job openings:

What states have the most Forensic Drug Chemistry jobs?

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What are popular job titles for Forensic Drug Chemistry?

Popular job titles for Forensic Drug Chemistry:

Forensic Drug Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Drug Chemistry job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,182 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA • On-site

SNA International
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about SNA Internationalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic Drug Chemist with a strong work ethic to join our team. SNA International's team works together in pursuit of the same cause: building a safe and just world by empowering organizations to use forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide expert technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in analyzing controlled substances, following laboratory policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation requirements.
  • Facilitate the receipt, tracking, and secure storage of samples related to drug cases, in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements.
  • Coordinate and perform a range of drug identification tests, including Color Tests, Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
  • Document findings thoroughly and prepare comprehensive reports.
  • Ensure that all activities comply with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and that lab safety procedures are strictly followed.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university in chemistry or other related science with sufficient chemistry courses (minimally general, organic, and analytical) or equivalent experience.
  • A minimum of three(3) to five(5) years of recent work experience as a Forensic Drug Chemist working as a bench analyst within an ISO/IEC 17025 forensic laboratory is required.
  • Successful completion of a formal, documented casework training program from an accredited forensic laboratory in forensic drug analysis and/or demonstration of competency.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience with Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and UV-VIS spectrometry plates.
  • Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze controlled substances (e.g., Color Tests, GC, GC/MS, FTIR) and performing microscope and chemical tests.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, quality assurance/quality control, and laboratory practices; instrumental analysis and experience in forensic drug analysis.

TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume.
SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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