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Forensic Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNSS Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a GNSS Analyst or Mathematician to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington DC. Background The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO ...

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Forensic Physics information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic physics in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Forensic Physics, a strong background in physics, mathematics, and physical evidence analysis—usually supported by a relevant degree—is required. Expertise in using laboratory instrumentation, physics simulation software, and familiarity with forensic certification standards are important for accurate evidence processing. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help professionals convey complex findings to law enforcement and legal teams. These competencies ensure reliable analysis, effective collaboration, and the credibility of forensic conclusions presented in court.

What types of cases do forensic physicists typically work on, and how do they contribute to investigations?

Forensic physicists are often involved in cases where physical evidence needs to be analyzed to reconstruct events or determine causes, such as accidents, ballistics investigations, environmental incidents, or material failure analyses. On a daily basis, they may examine evidence like glass fragments, vehicle impact damage, or projectile trajectories, using advanced instrumentation and modeling software to interpret findings. Working closely with other forensic specialists, law enforcement, and legal professionals, they translate complex physical data into clear, actionable insights. This collaborative and investigative approach is crucial for supporting the resolution of both criminal and civil cases.

What is a Forensic Physics job?

A Forensic Physics job involves applying principles of physics to criminal investigations and legal cases. Professionals in this field analyze physical evidence such as ballistics, accident reconstructions, and material properties to determine how events occurred. They work closely with law enforcement, legal teams, and forensic laboratories to provide expert testimony and reports. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of physics, engineering, and forensic science.

More about Forensic Physics jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Physics jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Physics jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Physics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Physics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Assistant Director of Forensic Toxicology

Assistant Director of Forensic Toxicology

City of New York

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

480th of 643 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
Under the broad direction of the Director of the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory the selected candidate will be responsible for performing professional and complex work in analyzing biological tissues and fluids as related to medico-legal investigations. Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Manages a group of analysts involved in performing toxicological analyses of biological specimens and evidentiary materials in connection to medico-legal investigations of deaths in New York City.
- Schedules and conducts training of analysts in new methods and techniques regarding development, implementation and validation of laboratory methods and procedures for improving forensic toxicology analyses.
- Conducts advance research regarding new methods, procedures and techniques of laboratory analysis and scientific medico-legal investigation.
- Identifies and justifies the selection of new laboratory instrumentation, supplies, policies, standards and new laboratory procedures and techniques.
- Oversees the operation and maintenance, including troubleshooting of all laboratory instrumentation.
- Reviews subordinate analytical results and reports; implements and maintains the quality control program within the laboratory.
- Acts as a liaison with agency and governmental agencies, investigators and outside representatives regarding laboratory results and reports.
- Serves as an expert and testifies in court in the field of Forensic Toxicology.
- Monitors technical developments and trends in the forensic toxicology field.
- Other duties as assigned.
In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirement, all candidates must have one of the following:
a) Four years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, III, and/or IV; OR
b) Four additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; OR
c) A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling five years of experience, as described above.
SPECIAL NOTE:
- Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
- This position has been identified as "essential." During emergency events, "essential" positions may require 24-hour availability.
WORK AUTHORIZATION:
Authorization to work in the Unites States is required for this position. Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.
***Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position. FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL.***
To Apply:
Please submit resume and cover letter to nyc.gov/ocmecareers Job ID#781442
CRIMINALIST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - 2184C

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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