ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensic Science Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensic Science JobsForensic Science Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Forensic Science information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$32K

$47.3K

$70.8K

How much do forensic science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science in Rio Rancho, NM is $47,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $50,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in forensic science?

Forensic science professionals usually spend their days analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes, preparing detailed reports on their findings, and sometimes presenting results in court as expert witnesses. Their routine includes using specialized laboratory instruments, photographing and cataloging evidence, and maintaining the integrity and documentation of all samples through strict chain-of-custody procedures. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other forensic experts is common, as is staying up-to-date with advancements in scientific analysis methods. This dynamic workflow ensures that forensic scientists contribute accurate, reliable evidence that can greatly impact the outcome of investigations.

What careers are there in forensic science?

Careers in forensic science include forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic toxicologist, fingerprint analyst, and forensic DNA analyst. These roles typically require knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence analysis, and often certification or specialized training in forensic methods.

Is a forensic scientist a 9-5 job?

Forensic scientists often work standard daytime hours, but their schedules can vary depending on case demands, laboratory needs, or crime scene investigations, which may require evening or weekend work. Flexibility and readiness to work outside typical hours are common in this field due to the nature of criminal investigations and evidence processing.

What is the highest paying forensic job?

The highest paying forensic jobs are often senior roles such as forensic laboratory directors or forensic science managers, who oversee laboratory operations and investigations. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certification, and can earn six-figure salaries depending on the employer and location.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

Forensic Science technicians, including Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs), do not need to be police officers to perform their duties. They typically have backgrounds in forensic science, biology, or chemistry and may work in labs or crime scene environments, often requiring specialized training and certifications. While some CSIs are employed by law enforcement agencies, others work in private labs or independent forensic firms.

What is a Forensic Science job?

A forensic science job involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence to assist in criminal investigations. Forensic scientists work in labs, crime scenes, or courtrooms, using scientific techniques to examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, and other materials. Their findings help law enforcement agencies identify suspects, reconstruct crime scenes, and support legal proceedings. Some forensic scientists specialize in areas like toxicology, ballistics, or digital forensics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Science position, and why are they important?

To succeed in forensic science, you need a strong background in chemistry or biology, meticulous attention to detail, and at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related discipline. Experience with laboratory equipment, evidence analysis software, and knowledge of chain-of-custody protocols or certifications such as ASCLD/LAB are highly valued. Critical thinking, strong written communication, and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure set top performers apart. These capabilities are essential to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of forensic findings used in legal proceedings.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Science jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Forensic Science jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Forensic Science jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Forensic Science job openings:
Forensic Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Science job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,257 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Laboratory Scientist - Lovelace Women's Hospital, (1099)

Laboratory Scientist - Lovelace Women's Hospital, (1099)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 0830-1900 with holidays and other shifts needed.

Location: Lovelace Women's Hospital

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

Job Summary: Under general supervision, performs waived, moderate or high complexity laboratory tests for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs maintenance, basic troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment. Runs and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment is functional prior to patient testing. May assist with the implementation and oversight of waived point of care testing. Staff in this job description meet the qualifications for designation as Testing Personnel for moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs/results and documents clinical laboratory testing exercising independent judgment and responsibility.

2. Notes abnormal patient results and informs supervisor, pathologist, or principal investigator as appropriate.

3. Operates laboratory equipment, interfaces and instruments, performs and documents basic maintenance procedures.

4. Performs routine logging for QC/QA purposes. Collects and compiles QA data as directed. Monitors QC for trends and takes and documents corrective action as needed or directed.

5. Performs troubleshooting procedures. Identifies testing problems and recommends appropriate solutions using defined guidelines.

6. Actively participates in regulatory inspections.

7. Takes inventory as needed or appropriate. Orders supplies for the Section/Department as directed.

8. Assists with training of new staff and/or students.

9. Serves as a liaison with internal and external customers/employees/clients.

10. Depending on the site or department, may participate in the POCT oversight program including but not limited to;

a) training lab and non-lab personnel in the use of waived testing.

b) Troubleshoot the performance of waived testing, including IT connectivity issues.

c) Review the quality performance of waived testing.

d) Participate in the implementation, including validation, if necessary, of waived testing.

11. Depending on the site or department, may collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum and other body fluids and prepare for analysis.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Selected candidates for the TriCore Laboratory Scientist position will be placed into LS I, LS II, LS III, or LS IV based on education and experience as follows:

Laboratory Scientist I:

Must meet one of the following per CLIA regulations:
Bachelors degree in biological, or chemical science from an accredited institution. Note- Candidate may qualify with a Bachelors degree in physical sciences through December 31, 2024, or
Associates degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
Have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either:
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992


No experience required.

Laboratory Scientist II:

Must meet one of the following:

Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution. No experience required, or

Bachelors degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, Note: bachelors degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or

Associates degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, or Two years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -

At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -

(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -

(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.

(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and

(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or

Two years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992, or

Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelors degree in biology or chemistry AND one year of direct clinical laboratory testing experience.

Laboratory Scientist III:

Must meet one of the following:

Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or

Bachelors degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience, Note bachelors degree in physical science is acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024 or

Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, or

Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelors degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or

Associates degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience, or

Four years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -

At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -

(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -

(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.

(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and

(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or

Four years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992

Laboratory Scientist IV:

Must meet one of the following:

Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience, or

Bachelors degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience.


PREFERENCES*: ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA,CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist

*Certification required for LS IV placement

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a TB test conducted.

IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.

TriCore is New Mexicos largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.

Apply