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Forensic Science Degree Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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Forensic Science Degree information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$36.7K

$54.2K

$81.2K

How much do forensic science degree jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science degree in Silver Spring, MD is $54,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $57,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic science degree?

A forensic science degree is an academic program that prepares students to apply scientific principles and techniques to solve crimes and support legal investigations. The curriculum typically covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, criminal justice, and specialized forensic methods. Graduates learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence from crime scenes. This degree can lead to careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and other forensic settings. It also provides a foundation for further study in forensic specialties or advanced scientific research.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and criminal justice, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science or a closely related field. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and evidence handling protocols is essential, and some roles may require professional certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are crucial for maintaining the integrity of evidence, ensuring accurate scientific analysis, and presenting findings clearly in legal contexts.

What types of teams or professionals do forensic science graduates typically work with in their roles?

Forensic science graduates often work closely with law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and specialized laboratory staff. Collaboration is a key part of the job, as forensic scientists provide crucial evidence and expert testimony for criminal investigations and court cases. Teamwork is essential, especially when coordinating evidence collection at crime scenes or interpreting laboratory results with detectives and attorneys. This interdisciplinary environment offers exposure to a variety of cases and professionals, fostering both learning and career growth.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Degree vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectForensic Science DegreeCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in forensic science, chemistry, biologyHigh school diploma or associate's; specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, courtrooms, research facilitiesCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, research institutionsPolice departments, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonEducational requirements, career paths, certificationsJob duties, fieldwork, training needed

While a Forensic Science Degree provides a broad educational foundation for various forensic careers, a Crime Scene Technician focuses on collecting and analyzing evidence at crime scenes. Both roles often collaborate but differ in work environment and qualifications required.

Is forensic science a useful degree?

A forensic science degree provides foundational knowledge in crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and laboratory techniques, which are essential for careers in forensic laboratories, law enforcement, and criminal justice. The degree can lead to roles such as forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, often requiring additional certifications and practical experience. It is considered a valuable degree for those interested in working within the criminal justice system and forensic fields.

What can you do with a bachelor of forensic science?

A bachelor of forensic science prepares individuals for roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, or laboratory technician. These positions involve analyzing physical evidence, using tools like microscopes and chemical tests, and often require knowledge of criminal justice and laboratory procedures.

What jobs can a forensic science degree get?

A forensic science degree prepares individuals for roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic laboratory technician, and forensic analyst. These jobs typically involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies. Certification and knowledge of laboratory procedures are often required for employment in this field.

What jobs can you get in forensic science degree?

A forensic science degree can lead to careers such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic analyst, laboratory technician, and forensic toxicologist. These roles typically involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Science Degree jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Forensic Science Degree jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Degree jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Degree jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Forensic Science Degree jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Forensic Science Degree job openings:

Forensic Science Degree jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Degree job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,167 per year, or $26 per hour.

Forensic Research Scientist (Scientist/Engineer III LCAT)

FedWriters, Inc.

Gaithersburg, MD • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Overview

If you're a forensic science professional who wants your research to directly shape national standards, this is the opportunity to take notice of. As a key technical and programmatic support resource for NIST's Special Programs Office (SPO) and its Forensic Science Research Program (FSRP), you'll apply your subject-matter expertise to help document current forensic science practices and strengthen the standards that guide the criminal justice, public safety, and homeland security communities. From facilitating process mapping working groups to auditing standards on the OSAC Registry for gaps in guidance, your work will directly inform how forensic science disciplines like firearms, crime scene, and DNA analysis are practiced and validated nationwide. Whether you're developing interactive process maps, briefing NIST FSRP leadership, or identifying where AI-based tools could strengthen forensic workflows, every deliverable you produce supports a mission that protects public trust in forensic science.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET with travel required. 

Responsibilities
  • Providing data visualization and facilitation support for virtual process map working group meetings across the firearms, crime scene, and DNA disciplines, using tools such as MS Visio or LucidChart
  • Scheduling and conducting virtual meetings using NIST-approved platforms (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom), including developing meeting agendas and summaries
  • Drafting and editing MS PowerPoint presentations on process mapping activities, and presenting findings at professional meetings
  • Supporting the NIST FSRP Subject Matter Expert (SME) in developing a plan to use process maps as auditing tools for standards and best practices on the OSAC Registry, with a focus on auditing firearms process maps
  • Participating in process mapping and audit meetings and documenting process steps that are missing or incomplete in published standards and best practices
  • Maintaining project status in a project tracking tool (e.g., Excel or MS Project) and presenting updates at weekly virtual meetings with the NIST FSRP SME
  • Reviewing process map steps across multiple forensic disciplines (e.g., fire investigation, seized drugs, human forensic DNA analysis, footwear and tire examination, firearms, friction ridge, handwriting, crime scene, wildlife forensics) to identify critical steps that could benefit from AI-based tools, and documenting findings in a structured table
  • Preparing and delivering oral briefings and recommendations on process mapping activities at weekly status meetings
  • Developing monthly progress reports (MPRs) detailing accomplishments, planned activities, resource expenditures, issues encountered, and schedule variances
  • Maintaining a literature and terms database using a NIST-furnished reference management tool (EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley)
  • Ensuring all deliverables are grammatically and technically correct, and appropriate for a mixed audience of Federal, State, and Local Government and industry/academia stakeholders
  • Traveling as needed (approximately two trips, each up to one week) to support project meetings and professional conferences
Qualifications

Required: 

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to forensic science, OR a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in a forensic science-related field
  • Knowledge of research in forensic science and specialized experience addressing issues within the forensic sciences
  • Record of noteworthy publications, invited talks, or contributions to the field of forensic sciences
  • Experience as a principal contributor to complex technical efforts, including working group settings
  • Experience providing technical editing support and facilitating process mapping exercises
  • Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint
  • Proficiency in at least one process mapping tool: MS Visio or LucidChart
  • Proficiency in at least one reference management tool: EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley

Desired: 

  • Direct subject-matter experience in firearms, crime scene, or DNA analysis disciplines
  • Prior experience supporting NIST, OSAC, or other standards-development organizations
  • Experience presenting at national forensic science conferences (e.g., AAFS)
  • Familiarity with the OSAC Registry and published forensic science process maps
Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Pay Range

$100,000 - $145,000 annually 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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