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Forensic Science Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris County, TX

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$300K/yr

Institute of Forensic Sciences Division: Pathology Services Opening Date: 01/06/2025 Closing Date ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ...

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$300K/yr

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ...

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX

$300K/yr

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ...

Harris County

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$166K/yr

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... and teaches trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and ...

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Forensic Science Trainee information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science trainee in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 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.

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Forensic Science Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Trainee job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

FORENSIC SCIENTIST 1 (FS 1) (Firearms Section)

South Charleston, WV • On-site

West Virginia State Police
See more jobs at West Virginia State Policeexternal

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: $60,250.00 Annually
Location : South Charleston, WV, WV
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 0004
Department: CIB Forensic Laboratory
Opening Date: 09/09/2024
Description
This is an entry level position which also serves as a probationary period. The FS 1 includes successful training to completion in the assigned discipline of forensic science (or designated subcategories). The FS 1 works under the direction of a trained analyst until authorized by the Laboratory Director or designee to work independently. Upon authorization, the FS 1 will begin testing evidence, issue forensic reports at the conclusion of testing and offer expert testimony when needed. Performs related work as required. This is a full-time position with state benefits.
Job Duties
Learns methodology in performing critical analysis of evidence in criminal cases. Accepts and receives evidence. Conducts basic examinations of suspected evidence such as controlled substances, biological materials, latent fingerprints, firearms and tool markings, toxicology samples, ignitable liquids, gunshot residues, glass fractures and other trace evidence. Documents the examination results. Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement and security of all personal and individual issue equipment.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, forensic sciences, natural sciences, or related field. Discipline specific educational requirements as specified. Based on laboratory need, the trainee applicant may be required to attend the ATF's National Firearms Examiner Academy in Maryland as part of the required two-year firearm/toolmark examiner training program.
Special Requirements: Ability to complete a successful background check and polygraph examination. Possession of valid driver's license.
Additional Information
Paygrade: $60,250 Base Salary
As an agency of State Government, the West Virginia State Police provides a wide variety of benefits to it's employees. As a WV public employee, some benefits are mandatory to all public employees, while some are completely voluntary. Some benefits are free to employees while others require a monthly premium.
Current year details regarding plan options and monthly premium costs can be obtained by logging onto the PEIA website at
Life Insurance:
  • PEIA offers $10,000 life insurance policies for all fulltime employees. PEIA also offers Optional Life Insurance of varying amounts that include $5,000 to $500,000 worth of coverage, subject to an insurability screening. For first time PEIA participants, PEIA allows up to $100,000 of Optional Life Insurance coverage for employees to enroll without the insurability screening. PEIA offers Dependent Life coverage, please visit the PEIA website for plans and pricing
  • The WV State Police also offers a $4,000 life insurance policy through UNUM Provident Life Insurance.

Retirement Plan:
  • As WV public employees, all full-time public employees are required to participate with the Public Employees Retirement Plan, regulated by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board. Employees hired on or after July 1, 2015 will be members of the PERS II plan, contributing 6% of their gross monthly salary. WV State Police contributes 10% of the member's gross monthly salary for a combined total of 16%. Please visit to explore the Retirement Benefits and Requirements.
  • An additional retirement option is available with Empower Retirement and functions as a 457 Retirement Plan. Please visit to learn more about the retirement options for both pre- and post- tax contributions.

Additional Benefits:
  • Mountaineer Flexible Benefits offers additional insurance such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, Legal, Short- and Long-term disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (for qualifying employees who enroll in the PPB Plan C Health Plan offered by PEIA). To explore the variety of plans and prices, please visit
  • All full-time employees for the WV State Police recieve a yearly $500 longevity salary increase.
  • All full-time employees earn 15-24 paid vacation days per year depending on longevity.
  • All full-time employees earn 1.5 sick days per month.
  • The state offers 12 paid holidays a year (for full-time employees).

about WV State employee benefits.
-WVSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer-

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