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Forensic Science Specialist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Science Specialist information

See Indiana salary details

$24.3K

$58.2K

$89.9K

How much do forensic science specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science specialist in Indiana is $58,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $65,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic science specialist?

Forensic Science Specialists are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence from crime scenes to assist law enforcement in solving criminal cases. They use scientific methods and specialized equipment to examine evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, and digital data. Their work helps establish facts in investigations and can be crucial in both criminal and civil court cases. Forensic Science Specialists often work in laboratories, but may also visit crime scenes or testify as expert witnesses in court.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Science Specialist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and criminal justice, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and chain-of-custody documentation is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills set top professionals apart. These competencies ensure the accurate analysis and presentation of evidence, which is critical for supporting criminal investigations and upholding justice.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic science specialists when processing crime scenes?

Forensic Science Specialists often encounter challenges such as working under time-sensitive conditions, maintaining the integrity of evidence, and adapting to varying crime scene environments. They must exercise meticulous attention to detail to prevent contamination and ensure all evidence is properly collected and documented. Collaboration with law enforcement and other forensic experts is essential, and specialists may need to testify in court regarding their findings, making strong communication skills crucial for the role.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Specialist vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic Science SpecialistCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisCriminal justice or forensic science degree, crime scene processing training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, courtrooms, crime labsOn-site at crime scenes, labs, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Search & Comparison IntentAnalyzing evidence, lab workCollecting evidence, scene processing

While both roles support criminal investigations, a Forensic Science Specialist primarily conducts laboratory analysis of evidence, whereas a Crime Scene Investigator focuses on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Both roles require related certifications and often work within law enforcement agencies, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

How can I become a forensic science specialist?

To become a forensic science specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in laboratory analysis, evidence collection, and report writing are important; some roles may require certification from professional organizations. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized training in forensic techniques.

What jobs can I get with a forensic science specialist?

A forensic science specialist can work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or private forensic firms, performing tasks such as evidence analysis, fingerprinting, DNA testing, and crime scene investigation. These roles often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with forensic tools and software.

What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Specialist jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Specialist jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Forensic Science Specialist jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Forensic Science Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Science Specialist job openings in Indiana 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 $58,194 per year, or $28 per hour.

Forensic Scientist EVII - Crime Scene Investigations Supervisor - Area 3 (D33)

Indiana State Police (IN)

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Indiana State Police rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 45 rated police


Job description

Job Description To serve as a civilian employee of the Indiana State Police (ISP) whose primary responsibility is to supervise the Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) and District Evidence Specialists assigned within geographic area of responsibility, and to ensure compliance with the security and quality assurance standards for the District Evidence Management System at the districts within area of responsibility. Job Duties Manage and oversee the crime scene response, as well as the security, management, and quality assurance protocols of the district evidence systems within the area of responsibility. Provide leadership to ensure a more productive utilization of available resources.

Directly supervise and evaluate the work performance of the Crime Scene Investigators and the District Evidence Specialists within area of responsibility. Oversee crime scene response to mass fatalities, disaster situations, and complicated investigations. Ensure that evidence transfers among districts and laboratories, as well as the districts-to-districts transfers, are accomplished in a timely manner.

Evaluate for and recommend future staffing needs and equipment purchasing. Identify and recommend training needs for Crime Scene Investigators, Evidence Specialists, and other Department employees in area of responsibility. Represent the Department at public appearances and conduct periodic training for Department and other criminal justice community personnel.

Maintain effective communication with the scientific and criminal justice communities and Department personnel. Review and evaluate statistical data generated by the Crime Scene Investigations Section, the Crime Scene Investigations Quality Assurance Unit, and the District Evidence Management Systems. Evaluate the Crime Scene Investigations Section requests for service to ensure that forensic support is appropriate within the area of responsibility.

Maintain a current after-hours callout roster and distribute it as directed by Forensic Services Division (FSD) policy. Review Crime Scene Investigators reports and field notes to ensure accuracy, adherence to the records management system requirements, quality assurance standards, and FSD policies and procedures. Liaison with prosecutors, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy staff, laboratory Forensic Scientists, and other law and forensic professionals as needed.

Assess equipment needs for Crime Scene Investigators and Evidence Specialists and make budgetary recommendations. Evaluate training needs and make recommendations related to Crime Scene Investigators and Evidence Specialists. Evaluate and make recommendations regarding policies and procedures that affect the crime scene response, the Crime Scene Investigations Quality Assurance Program, and the District Evidence Management System.

Coordinate forensic investigations of major cases and serial crimes as needed. Perform periodic inspections of District evidence facilities to ensure inventories are maintained properly and the evidence destruction process is conducted as required, and to ensure compliance to the Crime Scene Investigations Quality Assurance System protocols. Conduct Crime Scene Investigations Quality Assurance and District Evidence Management System Reviews as directed by the Division Commander.

Monitor and evaluate Crime Scene Investigators and Evidence Specialists court testimony. Testify in court as required. Lecture to various groups to support the mission of the Department and the FSD.

Direct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of personnel within area of responsibility and other FSD personnel as needed. Inspect and conduct general maintenance of crime scene equipment to ensure reliability and serviceability is maintained. Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, Standard Operating Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and FSD policies.

Serve on interview committees. Perform other duties as required. Job Qualifications Baccalaureate degree or higher with natural science, forensic science and/or criminal justice classes.

Five years experience as a certified full time CSI for an ISO/IEC 17020 or 17025 accredited laboratory may substitute for a Baccalaureate degree. Must have completed a Department approved crime scene investigator's training program and be certified by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy or have a minimum of three years of forensic services experience, preferably in crime scene processing and evidence handling. Must meet competency testing for Crime Scene Investigators upon completion, if required, of initial training, and must successfully complete proficiency testing annually.

Must achieve and/or maintain certification as a Crime Scene Investigator with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). Ability to supervise highly trained and knowledgeable personnel. Ability to respond to requests for service while in an off-duty status.

Ability to operate office and technical equipment (computer, lab-issued instrument, etc.). Ability to adhere to established laboratory safety practices. Ability to testify as an expert witness in an objective, unbiased, and professional manner

Ability to understand rules of evidence as interpreted by courts. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Must be able to differentiate colors as evidenced by medical certification.

Must possess a valid Indiana driver's license. Ability to travel by aircraft and other vehicles. Ability to attend training and meetings at alternate locations for extended periods of time.

Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation. Applicants are asked to submit a complete work history. All applicants are required to submit official copies of their high school transcript or GED certificate, any college transcripts, technical certificates, and a military DD214 (if applicable).

Please attach these documents to your online application. If you are unable to attach these documents as requested, please email the documents to ISPCivilianJobs@isp.in.gov and indicate your name and the position for which you have applied when forwarding all attachments.


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