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Forensic Scientist information

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$31.8K

$69.2K

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How much do forensic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic scientist in Michigan is $69,211.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $81,100.00 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.
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Forensic Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Scientist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,211 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Forensic Toxicologist- Medical Examiner

Pontiac, MI • On-site

Oakgov
See more jobs at Oakgovexternal

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary$85,818- $114,981
This position is on-site
Join our team in a highly specialized scientific role where your expertise directly supports death investigations and the pursuit of accurate, evidence-based answers. In this position, you'll perform complex toxicological testing on biological specimens to identify and interpret the presence of drugs, poisons, and alcohol. Your work will provide critical scientific information to pathologists, death investigators, and law enforcement agencies and may play an important role in legal proceedings.
What You'll Do
Perform high-complexity analytical testing on biological specimens to identify, quantify, and interpret drugs, poisons, alcohol, and other substances.
Analyze and interpret laboratory findings to provide accurate, scientifically supported results.
Provide critical toxicology data used in determining the cause and manner of death.
Collaborate with pathologists, death investigators, law enforcement, and other professionals throughout the investigative process.
Prepare and communicate scientific findings clearly and accurately.
Provide expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, testing, and findings in legal proceedings.
Utilize current County and department-specific software to document results and complete assignments.
Why You'll Love It
Meaningful Work: Your scientific expertise directly contributes to death investigations and helps provide answers to families, investigators, and the community.
Specialized Expertise: Apply advanced analytical and toxicological skills to complex, real-world cases.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside pathologists, investigators, law enforcement professionals, and other scientific experts.
Professional Impact: Serve as a trusted scientific resource and have the opportunity to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Public Service: Build your career while contributing to work that supports public safety and the integrity of the investigative process.Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. a. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or closely related field of study.
b. Have had two (2) years of full-time analytical experience in forensic toxicology;

OR
2. a. Possess a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related field of study.
b. Have had at least one (1) year of full-time analytical experience in forensic toxicology, testing toxic agents;

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Submit to annual tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray, at County expense.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Collaborates with forensic pathologists, autopsy attendants, and clerical support staff to provide technical guidance regarding toxicology specimen collection and results.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts qualitative and quantitative toxicological screening and confirmation testing to determine the presence or absence of drugs and poisons in biological specimens such as blood, vitreous humor, tissues, and gastric contents or other matrices as needed.

Operates, calibrates, and maintains sophisticated analytical instrumentation (e.g., Gas Chromatography, immunoassay systems).

Enforces strict quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and safety protocols to ensure compliance with forensic accrediting bodies (e.g. American Board of Forensic Toxicology, American National Standards Institute (ANSI/ANAB), National Association of Medical Examiners) and published standards.

Correlates laboratory findings with case histories, police reports, and autopsy observations to determine physiological relevance to guide toxicology testing.

Maintains appropriate confidentiality of all test results and case information.

Develops comprehensive, legally defensible technical reports detailing findings and toxicological conclusions for use by forensic pathologists, law enforcement, and legal counsel.

Testifies as an expert or fact witness in criminal, civil, and deposition proceedings regarding testing methodologies and results.

Maintains chain of custody for all evidence and specimens from receipt to final disposition.

Manages laboratory inventory, reagent preparation and logs, and equipment maintenance schedules.

Utilizes specialized case or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and county-wide database software to track cases, log data, and generate reports.

Maintains awareness of the latest analytical laboratory techniques, equipment, and standards to ensure that examinations are performed effectively, efficiently, and accurately.

Works independently to provide accurate and reliable toxicological results.

Follows formalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), organizational policies, and operational procedures to ensure all results meet regulatory and quality standards; periodically reviews these documents to provide input on updates and continuous improvements.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate work-related information clearly and professionally.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

Complies with all policies and standards.

Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties carried out in a typical Laboratory and Medical Examiner environment.

May be subject to performing duties in variable weather conditions, confined spaces and loud noises.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Thorough knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis of blood, other body fluids, and body organs.

2. Thorough skill in use of laboratory apparatus such as a chromatographic, spectrophotometric, and immunoassay techniques used to identify and quantitate drugs, metabolites and toxic agents in human postmortem body fluid and tissue specimens.

3. Thorough ability to analyze and recognize a wide scope of drugs, toxins, or poisons.

4. Thorough knowledge and ability in applying safety procedures when handling chemicals and other laboratory equipment.

5. Considerable skill in the application of methods, practices, and principles of physics, chemistry, pharmacology, and biology to practical laboratory and testing problems.

6. Considerable initiative and judgement in conducting unusual tests and in devising methods and procedures for detecting chemical compounds in body fluids and sample sources.

7. Considerable ability to organize and thoroughly document all examinations performed.

8. Reasonable ability to present evidence and findings in a clear, concise manner both verbally and in writing.

9. Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

10. Membership in a related scientific organization such as Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) or American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

11. Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) or eligible to apply for certification examination.

Additional Minimum QualificationsUnion*BU85 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Public Services Non-Supv (UAW)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.

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