1

Forensic Scientist Iii Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Criminalist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $109K/yr

... * 3.5% effective 7/1/27 * 2% effective 7/1/28 * 2% effective 1/1/29 * Eligible benefitted ... A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university in Criminalistics, Forensic Science ...

The Forensic Science Unit oversees all cases with forensic science evidence including DNA ... 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates ...

The Forensic Science Unit oversees all cases with forensic science evidence including DNA ... 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates ...

Forensic Toxicologist

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$86 - $115/hr

OR * 3. Possess a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related field of study.

Showing results 41-60

Forensic Scientist Iii information

See salary details

$36.5K

$79.4K

$137.5K

How much do forensic scientist iii jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic scientist iii in the United States is $79,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Forensic Scientist III?

A Forensic Scientist III is an advanced-level professional in the field of forensic science, often responsible for independently conducting complex analyses on evidence collected from crime scenes. They may specialize in areas such as DNA analysis, toxicology, trace evidence, or fingerprint identification. In addition to performing laboratory work, Forensic Scientist IIIs may provide expert testimony in court, mentor junior staff, and help develop laboratory protocols. Their work is critical in supporting criminal investigations and ensuring the integrity of evidence used in the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by a Forensic Scientist III in managing complex casework?

As a Forensic Scientist III, one of the main challenges is handling multiple complex cases simultaneously while ensuring accuracy and meeting strict deadlines. The role often requires balancing case management with advanced technical analysis, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining detailed documentation for court proceedings. Effective communication with law enforcement and legal teams is essential, as is staying current with evolving forensic technologies and best practices. Prioritizing tasks and maintaining high attention to detail are key to meeting the demands of this senior-level position.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist III, you need advanced knowledge of forensic science principles, laboratory techniques, and a relevant degree such as in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. Familiarity with analytical instruments like GC-MS, LC-MS, forensic databases, and certifications (e.g., from the American Board of Criminalistics) is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate evidence analysis, clear reporting, and support for legal proceedings, which are crucial for the justice system.

What is the difference between Forensic Scientist Iii vs Forensic Scientist Ii?

AspectForensic Scientist IiiForensic Scientist Ii
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field; certification often preferredBachelor's degree in relevant field; certification may be optional or entry-level
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime labs, field investigations, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, and local forensic labs; law enforcement agenciesSimilar settings, often as entry or mid-level roles in forensic labs

Forensic Scientist Iii typically requires more experience and advanced certifications than Forensic Scientist Ii. They often handle more complex cases and have greater responsibilities in forensic analysis. Both roles work in similar environments and industries, but the Iii level is usually a step above in expertise and scope of work.

More about Forensic Scientist Iii jobs

What cities are hiring for Forensic Scientist Iii jobs?

Cities with the most Forensic Scientist Iii job openings:

What states have the most Forensic Scientist Iii jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Scientist Iii jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forensic Scientist Iii job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,408 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Scientist I

Quest Diagnostics

Lenexa, KS • On-site

$26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description


Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Scientist I - Lenexa, KS, Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 PM to 6:30 AM
This position works within the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory and is responsible for all aspects of testing of donor specimens including specimen preparation and instrument operation.
Pay range: $26.50+ per hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
  • Maintain chain of custody of forensic specimens and follow approved sample handling procedures.
  • Maintain competency in the following areas: follow all written procedures in departmental SOP, prepare and verify performance of all new reagents, ensure that all required calibrators and quality control samples are included in each batch, demonstrate good analytical technique with minimal failed loads, capable of performing routine maintenance of equipment utilized in area of responsibility, capable of programming sequence table for sample analysis, capable of basic data review.
  • Maintain legible and complete documents.
  • Maintain clean and organized work area.
  • Perform and document checks of temperature dependent equipment.
  • Participate in completion of method and/or instrument validation studies to quality standards.
  • Participate in validation of new calibrators, controls and new or modified analytical procedures.
  • Maintain acceptable productivity and quality levels, and notify Supervisor and/or Group Lead of equipment or production problems.
  • Complete assigned continuing education activities and competency verification checks.
  • Follow the direction of the Supervisor and/or Group Lead and adhere to all company and department policies.
  • Complete all required quality control and quality assurance documentation related to job function.
  • Follow work schedule as defined by the Supervisor.
  • Maintain professional work environment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications
Preferred Work Experience:
Minimum of one (1) year laboratory experience preferred.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Ability to perform routine and repetitive motions, such as pipetting.
  • Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of methods and procedures used by the laboratory preferred.
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Science or Art degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours in Chemistry, fifteen (15) semester hours in Biology, and three (3) semester hours of Mathematics; or applicable regulatory requirements (Preferred)

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

What ExamOne employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom