1

Forensic Scientist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative ... experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be ...

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

... forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative ... experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be ...

Physical Scientist

Nogales, AZ · On-site +1

$106K - $138K/yr

Independently conducting complex physical science analyses of non-routine samples, seized materials, imported merchandise, or forensic evidence using advanced laboratory methods, instrumentation, or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic Scientist information

See Arizona salary details

$34K

$74K

$128.1K

How much do forensic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic scientist in Arizona is $73,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic scientist do?

A forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence collected from crime scenes to help law enforcement solve cases. Their work often involves examining substances like blood, hair, fibers, and other materials using scientific techniques in a laboratory setting. Forensic scientists may also be called to testify in court as expert witnesses, explaining their findings and methods. They play a critical role in linking suspects to crimes and helping to ensure that justice is served.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, usually with at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, DNA analysis software, and evidence management systems is essential, and professional certifications like those from the American Board of Criminalistics can be advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help forensic scientists excel in preparing reports and testifying in court. These competencies ensure accurate evidence analysis, which is crucial for supporting justice and maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges forensic scientists face when working on criminal cases?

Forensic scientists often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines for case reports, handling complex or degraded evidence, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving technologies and scientific methods, which requires ongoing training. Collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals is frequent, and clear communication is essential to ensure that scientific findings are accurately represented in court.

What is the difference between Forensic Scientist vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic ScientistCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in forensic science, chemistry, biologyBachelor's in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, crime labsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, governmentLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Primary FocusAnalyzing evidence, laboratory testing, report writingCollecting evidence, documenting crime scenes

While both forensic scientists and crime scene investigators work within the criminal justice system, forensic scientists primarily analyze evidence in labs, whereas crime scene investigators focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Both roles require knowledge of forensic procedures, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

How do you become a forensic scientist?

To become a forensic scientist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining laboratory experience and developing skills in evidence analysis, microscopy, and instrumentation are important; some roles may require a master's degree or certification from professional organizations.

What jobs can a forensic scientist do?

A forensic scientist can work in crime laboratories analyzing physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. They may work for law enforcement agencies, government labs, or private firms, often requiring skills in laboratory techniques, evidence handling, and report writing. Career options include forensic DNA analyst, crime scene investigator, toxicologist, and forensic toxicologist.

What jobs can you get in forensic science?

Forensic scientists can work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or private forensic firms, performing tasks such as analyzing physical evidence, DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. They often use specialized tools and techniques, and may need certifications or advanced degrees depending on the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Scientist jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Forensic Scientist jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Forensic Scientist jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Forensic Scientist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Scientist jobs in AZ?

For Forensic Scientist jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Scientist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,999 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Managing Scientist, Human Factors

J.S. Held LLC

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.
The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced User Experience Research or Human Factors Manager with an independent book of business to join our Human Factors team, in particular in the area of medical device or healthcare human factors. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly driven person with a well-rounded skill set to join the Human Factors team, whose responsibilities extend beyond those of traditional Human Factors professionals. The ideal person for this role will need to have not only strong quantitative and qualitative UX research skills and experience, but also be flexible and a strategic thinker, able to hire and mentor junior staff, contribute to the team's strategy for growth, develop business, and perform research as an individual contributor on a number of concurrent projects - straight out of the box. This role differs somewhat from the typical UX manager role, in its reduced emphasis on people and project management and its prominent emphasis on business development.
The Human Factors team performs a variety of studies related to product use-related health, safety, usability, and user experience, by bringing to bear methodologies from basic science, such as eye tracking, physiological data recording, or motion capture. You will help in marketing and selling UX research projects, scoping and budgeting such projects, writing the corresponding client proposals, operationalizing client needs as empirical research questions, designing bespoke studies around those research questions, collecting data from participants using a wealth of custom-tailored methodologies, analyzing data in creative ways, and translating the results back into actionable outcomes for our clients. You will also help grow and mentor the team and contribute to its strategic initiatives. Because of the centrality of successful human-machine interaction to the safety of users and other stakeholders, your work may also entail working up litigation matters related to alleged product defects and, eventually, testifying as an expert witness. As a consultant, your experiences will be as varied and diverse as the products and services out there, possibly spanning automotive, medical, pharma, consumer electronics, appliances, heavy machinery, child products, and extended reality products - although the exact nature of your work will be determined in part by your ability to generate work in various industries.
Please submit an academic CV in addition to a more traditional resume.
Job Responsibilities
  • This role involves a strong and immediate business development component.
  • This role will further entail highly skilled study design, as well as, potentially, study execution, data analysis, and report preparation.
  • It will also involve the hiring and mentoring of junior staff.
  • It will require managing multiple concurrent projects.
  • You may also eventually serve as a testifying expert in litigation, if you do not already serve as a testifier.
  • A successful candidate is one who has tenacity, endurance, perseverance, and determination, as well as creativity, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, and who exhibits a high degree of autonomy and ownership.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Experimental, Developmental, Perceptual, or Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, Human Factors, or a related basic scientific psychology field preferred.
  • A minimum of five to ten years of experience in industry and with managing client projects.
  • Alternatively, Master's Degree in Experimental, Developmental, Perceptual, or Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Human Factors, plus minimum of ten years experience in industry.
  • Existing book of business and strong client relationships.
  • Entrepreneurial drive and passion to succeed.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Proven track record of ownership of empirical research (both quantitative and qualitative), from study inception to study design and execution to data analysis and interpretation.
  • Excellent inferential statistics and data analytic skills.
  • Possible interest in potential litigation support and/or forensic work or, better yet, existing practice as a testifier.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications
  • Ability to travel as needed, depending on project assignments.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Additional Information
Some of the Benefits We Have Include
J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team's needs.
  • Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed
  • Flexible Time Off policy
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401k Match
  • Commuter Benefit

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $150,000 - $175,000. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.
Please explore what we're all about at www.jsheld.com.
EEO and Job Accommodations
We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!
J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email jobs@jsheld.com and include "Applicant Accommodation" within the subject line with your request and contact information.
#LI-DS1

J.S. Held logo

About J.S. Held

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jericho, NY, US

Year founded

1974