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Forensic Science Chemistry Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Innovations

DNA Examiner

Quantico, VA · On-site

Working with other forensic experts in various fields to support the FBI and TEDAC missions ... BA in Biology, Chemistry, or related field of biological science from an accredited university ...

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Forensic Science Chemistry information

See Virginia salary details

$35.2K

$51.9K

$77.8K

How much do forensic science chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science chemistry in Virginia is $51,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,100.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic science chemistry?

Forensic science chemistry is a branch of forensic science that applies chemistry principles and techniques to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. Forensic chemists identify and characterize substances such as drugs, explosives, poisons, and trace evidence to help law enforcement solve crimes. They often use specialized laboratory instruments and methods, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and microscopy, to detect and interpret chemical evidence. Their findings can be crucial in criminal investigations and are often presented in court as expert testimony.

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

To excel as a Forensic Science Chemist, you need a solid background in analytical chemistry, laboratory techniques, and a degree in chemistry or forensic science. Familiarity with instrumentation such as GC-MS, HPLC, and proficiency in evidence handling protocols are typically required, with some employers preferring ASCLD/LAB or similar certifications. Attention to detail, objectivity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help forensic chemists accurately analyze evidence and present findings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the integrity of forensic analyses and supporting the justice system with reliable, scientifically sound results.

What are some typical challenges forensic science chemists face when analyzing complex evidence samples?

Forensic science chemists often encounter the challenge of analyzing evidence that contains mixed or degraded samples, such as substances contaminated with environmental materials or degraded by time and exposure. These situations require advanced analytical techniques and meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate identification and quantification of substances. Additionally, chemists must maintain rigorous documentation and adhere strictly to chain-of-custody protocols, as their findings may be scrutinized in a legal context. Collaborating closely with law enforcement and legal professionals is also essential to interpret results and provide clear testimony when needed.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Chemistry vs Forensic Science Biology?

AspectForensic Science ChemistryForensic Science Biology
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; certifications like ASB or FEPDegree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories analyzing chemical substances, drugs, toxinsLaboratories examining biological samples, DNA, bodily fluids
Employer & Industry UsageCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic labsSame as above, often overlapping in forensic settings

Forensic Science Chemistry focuses on chemical analysis of substances, while Forensic Science Biology emphasizes biological evidence like DNA. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, often within the same forensic laboratories, but they specialize in different types of evidence analysis.

Do forensic science chemists make a lot of money?

Forensic science chemists typically earn a median annual salary around $60,000 to $70,000, with salaries increasing with experience, education, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, and some positions in government agencies or private labs may offer higher compensation.

Is it hard to get a job in forensic science chemistry?

Getting a job in forensic science chemistry can be competitive, as it often requires a relevant bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, along with laboratory skills and sometimes certification. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience with laboratory equipment increase employment prospects in this specialized field.

What can you do with a forensic science chemistry degree?

A forensic science chemistry degree prepares individuals to analyze physical evidence, such as drugs, toxins, and chemicals, in crime laboratories. Graduates can work as forensic chemists, crime scene investigators, or laboratory analysts, often using tools like chromatography and spectroscopy. Certification and knowledge of legal procedures are also important for career advancement.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Science Chemistry jobs in Virginia?

For Forensic Science Chemistry jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Chemistry jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Chemistry jobs in Virginia are:

Forensic Science Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Chemistry job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,947 per year, or $25 per hour.

Supervisory Chemist (Forensic Instruction)

Drug Enforcement Administration

Quantico, VA • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct visual, physical, chemical, photographic, and other scientific examinations of complex physical evidence to form scientific opinions.

  • Identify, quantify, and compare evidence such as suspected controlled substances, precursors, and other trace evidence materials, especially those that are scarce, complex, or require difficult analyses.

  • Design, develop, and deliver training and instructional programs for forensic examiners, technical personnel, and other related professionals.

Job description

Summary
This position is located in the DEA Office of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Laboratories in Quantico, VA
This position(s) primary purpose is to serve as a senior Forensic Chemist. As a senior chemist, conducts visual, physical, chemical, photographic, and other scientific examinations, as needed, of complex submissions of physical evidence to form an opinion by application of professional & scientific knowledge in the primary area of forensic drug chemistry & other trace evidence materials.
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Duties
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As a your typical work assignments may include:
  • Provides services as a recognized forensic expert, performing professional and scientific work in the analysis of the
    following types of evidence: suspected legally controlled substances, precursors, and other miscellaneous evidence
    types.
  • As a technical authority in forensic analyses, the senior examiner identifies, quantifies, and/or compares irreplaceable
    evidence that because of its paucity, uniqueness, obscurity, transient nature, contamination, decomposition, or
    complexity, requires the most difficult analyses and complicated interpretations.
  • Serves as a research scientist responsible for applying chemical or biological and compatible research to problems for
    forensic science. As an expert in the application of forensic sciences, the incumbent applies a professional knowledge
    of the field in translating broad problem areas to specific research programs that are responsive to the DEA mission.
  • Serves as a senior examiner with the responsibility to design, develop, and deliver a detailed curriculum, training, and
    instruction in support of Department of Justice (DOJ) forensic examiners, technical personnel, military lawyers, criminal
    investigators, and military operators.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Successful completion of a one-year supervisory probationary period is required (unless already completed)

Qualifications
For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.
Basic Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet ONE of the following qualification requirements: (A). Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR (B). Combination of education and experience course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants applying for the GS-14 must meet the following requirements:
Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-13 grade level. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 Federal grade level that demonstrates the following: (1) serving as a technical authority in forensic chemistry laboratory operations; (2) developing and administering training programs for forensic chemists or other scientific personnel; (3) applying laboratory accreditation standards, quality assurance principles, and quality management system requirements; (4) interpreting and implementing Federal laws, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, and forensic science guidelines; (5) conducting technical reviews, audits, or assessments of laboratory operations and analytical methods; and (6) evaluating and implementing new technologies, instrumentation, and scientific processes to improve forensic laboratory capabilities and operational effectiveness.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements is located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.?
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Additional information
For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration, please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If an applicant is currently, or has been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, applicants must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office listed in this announcement.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved if the DEA has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.
If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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