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Forensic Science Trainee Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Signature Science, LLC

Forensic Technician IV

Austin, TX · On-site

$50K/yr

... trainees. Education/Experience: Incumbent must meet the forensic technician requirements specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding education and experience.Possess at least a ...

Signature Science LLC

Forensic Technician IV

Austin, TX · On-site

$50K/yr

... trainees. Education/Experience: Incumbent must meet the forensic technician requirements specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding education and experience.Possess at least a ...

All JobsForensic Science JobsForensic Science Trainee JobsForensic Science Trainee Jobs in Austin, TX

Forensic Science Trainee information

See Austin, TX salary details

$40.6K

$87.1K

$135.8K

How much do forensic science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science trainee in Austin, TX is $87,104.00, 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 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?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Science jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Forensic Science jobs in Austin, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Austin, TX?

For Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Forensic Science Trainee jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Forensic Science Trainee job openings:

Forensic Science Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Trainee job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,104 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Forensic Technician IV

Signature Science, LLC

Austin, TX • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose:   

The incumbent is responsible for performing specific portions of testing on forensic casework while complying with client and company requirements. Will work as part of a highly motivated team to process high-quality casework in a timely and efficient manner. Focus is on quality, meeting client deadlines, flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, and customer service.

The successful applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least one year of laboratory experience with DNA extractions, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis or a Master’s degree from an accredited institution (with no outside experience required). Degrees must be in the biological or chemical sciences, or in forensic science with a biology focus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Help train other staff members on serology methods, extraction methods, and internal procedures.
  • Make sound scientific decisions with respect to screening results obtained based on validated methods and standard operating procedures.
  • Help other staff members as needed to complete serology and molecular biology work and respond quickly to changing priorities in casework.
  • Execute molecular biology laboratory protocols associated with screening and molecular biology methods (including extraction, quant, amp, and CE protocols) on assigned casework.
  • Propose solutions as needed to address problems associated with screening or molecular biology work.
  • Utilize a variety of modern scientific equipment (e.g., 7500s, 3500s).
  • Prepare reagent aliquots and conduct QC testing on new lots of reagents and/or kits.
  • Complete assignments within the designated timeframe.
  • Organize assigned activities to maximize efficiency, and alert management when technical or schedule problems arise. Help other staff organize screening and molecular biology activities to maximize efficiency.
  • Perform lab work wearing appropriate PPE, and practice good contamination control techniques.
  • Ensure that chain of custody documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Adhere to quality assurance practices.
  • Prepare screening reports as appropriate (e.g., those associated with negative male screening results or 'stop at quant' results).
  • Perform administrative reviews for with casework.
  • Provide fact witness testimony in a court of law, must be able to travel by air.
  • Assist with routine laboratory decontamination as needed.
  • Assist with inventory tracking and control for laboratory consumables.
  • Respond to inquiries orally and in writing, including those internally and from clients.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
  • Possess sound reasoning skills and regularly show ability to follow detailed standard instructions, with great attention to detail and guidance from company policy manuals and forensic SOPs.
  • Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office; specifically, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access; instrument software (e.g, QIAcubes, EZ1s, 7500s, 3500s). Ability to learn then successfully navigate STACS™-CW tracking software.
  • Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to train others on serology and molecular biology methods and maintain appropriate training documentation for the trainees.

 

Education/Experience: Incumbent must meet the forensic technician requirements specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding education and experience.Possess at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a technical or scientific discipline plus at least two years of relevant work experience. A MS degree from an accredited institution in a technical or scientific discipline is considered equivalent to the work experience requirement.

Certificates and Licenses: Must be willing and eligible to obtain required State License for Forensic Technician as specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

 

Clearance: N/A

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Working Conditions/ Equipment: Must work in a laboratory environment that requires wearing PPE and standing for extended periods of time. Required to enter data and write reports by typing on a computer. Will have potential contact with hazardous materials, including biological fluids and must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance and 40 pounds with assistance to handle evidence.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.