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Forensic Lab Assistant Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Lab Assistant information

See Mississippi salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do forensic lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic lab assistant in Mississippi is $19.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic lab assistant do?

A Forensic Lab Assistant supports scientists and forensic analysts by preparing and organizing laboratory equipment, handling evidence, and assisting with various tests and analyses. They ensure that samples are properly labeled and documented, help maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, and may be involved in basic data entry or record-keeping. Their work is crucial for maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring the integrity of evidence used in criminal investigations.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Lab Assistant, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a relevant associate or bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence handling protocols, and data management systems is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate evidence processing, maintain chain of custody, and support the integrity of legal investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic lab assistants when handling evidence?

Forensic Lab Assistants often face challenges such as ensuring the chain of custody for evidence, preventing contamination, and adhering to strict laboratory protocols. This requires meticulous attention to detail, as even small errors can compromise the integrity of an investigation. Additionally, assistants must be comfortable working with potentially hazardous materials and be prepared to manage time effectively, as case priorities can shift rapidly in a forensic lab environment.

What is the difference between Forensic Lab Assistant vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectForensic Lab AssistantCrime Scene Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some certificationsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, handling evidence processingCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Job FocusPreparing evidence, assisting with lab analysesCollecting evidence at crime scenes

While both roles support criminal investigations, Forensic Lab Assistants primarily work in laboratories assisting with evidence processing, whereas Crime Scene Technicians focus on collecting evidence directly from crime scenes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within forensic science.

Infographic showing various Forensic Lab Assistant job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,884 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Digital Forensics Analyst Technical Lead

Mississippi State University

Biloxi, MS • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Mississippi State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Digital Forensics Analyst Technical Lead

Job no: 510292

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 440900 - Vice President for Research

Location: Biloxi, MS

This position will serve as the Digital Forensics Analyst Technical Lead for the MCI facility at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. In this role, the individual has responsibility for managing the Digital Forensics Lab (DFL) associated with the MCI facility, including configuration, installation, and operations of existing forensics hardware and software. The primary person will assist other Law Enforcement (LE) partnered agencies in conducting digital forensics analysis, act as a coordinator between agency partners, and provide on‑site development, implementation of quality assurance, and management of the DFL environment and associated systems. The candidate will assess and develop policies and procedures governing the MCI DFL and assist the site's senior technical advisor in gathering data analytics, contract, and budget activities related to the DFL.

Responsibilities
  1. Experienced with Cyber/Digital Forensics tools, including e‑discovery and forensic imaging tools and techniques.
  2. Experienced with COTS forensic products, including EnCase, SIFT, X‑Ways, FTK, Magnet Forensics products (e.g., Axiom, Automate, Graykey), and Cellebrite.
  3. Understand systems engineering and computing platforms, including Windows, OSX, and Linux.
  4. Manage DFL operations with the Department of Public Safety and other partnered Law Enforcement agencies.
  5. Lead LE partners in utilizing the lab's forensics networked capabilities through technical support.
  6. Perform assessments with users in analyzing deficiencies in tested forensics tools and provide a risk assessment of unresolved anomalies.
  7. Assist in accomplishing forensic analysis with techniques, including traditional disk image analysis, memory analysis, malware analysis, and static/dynamic reverse engineering.
  8. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for the DFL, covering utilization, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of complex applications with forensic hardware/software, operating system software, and specialized equipment such as Forensics Recovery Evidence Devices, servers, and network interfaces.
  9. Work in an environment of rapidly changing technology and requirements in support of the MCI partner's mission.

Supervisory Responsibility

  • May be responsible for training, assisting, or assigning tasks to others.
  • May provide input to performance reviews of other employees.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • Five+ years of directly related experience.
  • U.S. citizenship status is a requirement.
  • Substitution allowed for any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to work in time‑sensitive and stressful situations with ease and professionalism.
  • Versed in computer security investigative processes.
  • Understanding of electronic investigation, forensic tools, and methodologies, including log correlation and analysis and forensically handling electronic data.
  • Possession of one or more forensic certifications (e.g., GCFE, CCI, GREM, CHFI, GCFA, CCFP, ISFCE, CCE, SANS CGFA).
  • Ability to maintain proficiency in digital forensics technology and accreditations through self‑paced specialized training.
  • Versed in Microsoft Office suite.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  1. Excellent knowledge of a full range of digital and cyber forensics hardware and software.
  2. Proficient in the latest forensic, response, and reverse engineering skills and astute in the latest exploit methodologies.
  3. Knowledge of the legalities surrounding the discovery and analysis of electronically stored information.
  4. Knowledge of existing and emerging legal issues within information security environments (e.g., data privacy).
  5. Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
  6. Ability to gather facts and use effective analytical and evaluative methods to assess information, plan the sequence of actions necessary, make sound decisions, and solve various forensic system problems.
  7. Maintain an up‑to‑date awareness of technological advances and predict how management can meet future requirements.
  8. Interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate orally and in writing and foster a cooperative work environment.
  9. Understanding of electronic investigation, forensic tools, and methodologies, including log correlation and analysis, forensically handling electronic data, and knowledge of computer security investigative processes.
  10. Maintain a high level of professionalism while representing MCI and the university in internal and external interactions.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
  • Requires lifting of IT devices; nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
  • Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are vital to the position; involves conflict‑resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
  • Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

Accommodation for Disabilities

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325‑3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Expression of Interest

No expression of interest currently available.

Position Status

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

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