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Forensic Science Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Science Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$87.1K

$135.8K

How much do forensic science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science trainee in Virginia is $87,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of hands-on training and mentorship can a Forensic Science Trainee expect during their first year?

As a Forensic Science Trainee, you can expect to receive comprehensive hands-on training that includes shadowing experienced forensic scientists, participating in laboratory analysis, and learning to follow strict evidence handling protocols. During your first year, you'll likely rotate through various sections such as DNA, toxicology, or trace evidence, gaining exposure to different forensic techniques. Mentorship is a key part of the role, with senior staff guiding you through casework, quality assurance procedures, and courtroom testimony preparation. This structured approach helps build your technical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of chain-of-custody requirements.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Trainee vs Forensic Laboratory Technician?

AspectForensic Science TraineeForensic Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry; training programsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised environment, often in labs or crime scenesFull-time lab work, analyzing evidence under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, crime scene unitsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic facilities

In summary, a Forensic Science Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often under supervision. A Forensic Laboratory Technician is a more experienced role responsible for conducting evidence analysis independently. Both roles require relevant degrees, but the trainee position emphasizes training and development.

What does a Forensic Science Trainee do?

A Forensic Science Trainee assists experienced forensic scientists in the collection, analysis, and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes. They typically work in laboratories or at crime scenes, learning techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and chemical analysis of substances. Trainees gain hands-on experience while following strict protocols to ensure evidence integrity. Over time, they develop the skills necessary to analyze evidence, write reports, and may eventually testify in court as expert witnesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Science Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Science Trainee, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence handling procedures, and standard analytical software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help trainees accurately process evidence and present findings. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the integrity of evidence and supporting the justice system through reliable scientific analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Forensic Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Virginia? For Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Science Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Science Trainee job openings:
Forensic Science Trainee jobs near you
Physician (Contract) Salaried

Physician (Contract) Salaried

Childrens Hospital of The Kings Daughters

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Children's Hospital Of The King's Daughters rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 1,004 rated hospitals

Job description

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) seeks a board certified or board eligible Child Abuse Pediatrician to join the medical team at our Child Advocacy Center (CAC), which has been a critical resource in Coastal Virginia for more than 27 years.

The CAC is a department of Virginia's sole free-standing children's hospital, which has the region’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. A 60-bed pediatric mental health hospital tower opened in 2022. CHKD has demonstrated sincere and ongoing commitment to the maintenance and success of the CAC and our medical team. Academic appointment will be in the Division of Child Abuse Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics of Eastern Virginia Medical School, newly affiliated with Old Dominion University’s Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences.

Accredited through the National Children's Alliance and dedicated to providing child-friendly services to children with suspected maltreatment, CHKD’s CAC is the largest in Virginia, serving over 2,700 children annually. The program offers medical, forensic, and mental health services to abused and neglected children at its three locations in southeastern Virginia. The medical team currently consists of a child abuse pediatrician, 2 physician assistants, nursing, and forensic nurse examiners. In addition to the medical team, the CAC also includes forensic interviewers, licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, case managers, and trainees. Our center has an established program for trafficked youth and houses the area’s trauma-informed community network. The program has been training child abuse pediatric fellows since 2003.  

Qualifications

  • Board Eligible/Certified in Child Abuse Pediatrics
  • Must possess a valid Virginia medical license 
  • Be willing to serve as core faculty for the child abuse pediatrics fellowship
  • Excel in the clinical assessment of abused and neglected children
  • Skilled in teaching a diverse array of learners, including non-medical professionals
  • Provide trauma-informed care
  • Possess excellent organizational and interdisciplinary communication skills

Salary & Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience 
  • Life, Health, Dental, and Disability insurance 
  • 401K/profit-sharing retirement plan 
  • Continuing Medical Education (CME) package 
  • Generous PTO 

Live on the Coast

The CAC is located in coastal Virginia, known for its beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and diverse family-friendly activities. The Hampton Roads region offers easy access to Norfolk International Airport and Amtrak, as well as close proximity to Washington DC, Williamsburg, and the Outer Banks. Residents enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational options, including boating, kayaking, and fishing, as well as local attractions like Busch Gardens, the Virginia Aquarium, and multiple water parks. With a perfect blend of city and rural living, the area also boasts nature trails, the Eastern Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay.

For additional information, contact:

Deborah Lowen, MD

Medical Director, CHKD Child Advocacy Center

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Professor of Pediatrics, EVMS at Old Dominion University

Deborah.lowen@chkd.org, 757-668-6131 or 615-636-9822

Or

Erinn F. Portnoy, LCSW

Executive Director, CHKD Child Advocacy Center

Erinn.portnoy@chkd.org, 757-668-6164

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