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Forensic Toxicology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Soft Tox

Forensic Toxicologist

Hoover, AL · On-site

$40K - $88K/yr

Forensic Toxicology Opportunities * Entry-level opportunities available in: * Forensic Toxicology * Implied Consent (Breath Alcohol Calibration) * Experienced forensic scientists are encouraged to ...

CFSRE

Forensic Toxicologist

Horsham, PA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Lead and participate in research projects that expand the horizons of forensic toxicology, particularly in the analysis and characterization of NPS and emerging drugs. * Develop and Implement Methods:

Soft Tox

Deputy Chief Toxicologist

Washington, DC · On-site

$114.44 - $160.22/hr

The primary purpose of this position is to direct the day‑to‑day management of the Forensic Post‑Mortem Toxicology Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible for the scientific and technical ...

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How much do forensic toxicology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic toxicology in the United States is $61,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Toxicologist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, typically supported by at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with many roles requiring advanced degrees. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as gas or liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and proficiency in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are essential, along with relevant certifications like those from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies ensure accurate analysis and clear reporting of toxicological data, which are crucial for supporting criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

Is forensic toxicology a good career?

Forensic toxicology is a specialized field within forensic science that involves analyzing biological samples for drugs, poisons, and toxins. It offers opportunities in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and research, often requiring a degree in toxicology, chemistry, or a related field, along with laboratory skills and certifications. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in criminal justice and scientific analysis.

Where do forensic toxicologists get paid the most?

Forensic toxicologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong forensic science industries, such as major metropolitan areas or states with specialized forensic laboratories. Salaries are also influenced by experience, education, certifications, and the type of employer, such as government agencies or private labs.

What is forensic toxicology?

Forensic toxicology is the scientific study and analysis of biological samples to detect and identify chemicals, drugs, toxins, or poisons that may have contributed to a person's death or altered their behavior. It plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, legal cases, and autopsies by determining whether substances were present in a person's system and at what concentrations. Forensic toxicologists use specialized techniques and equipment to analyze blood, urine, hair, and other tissues, providing essential evidence in cases such as suspected overdoses, poisoning, or impaired driving. Their findings help law enforcement, medical examiners, and courts understand the circumstances surrounding a case.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic toxicologists during casework analysis?

Forensic toxicologists often encounter challenges such as interpreting results from complex biological samples, handling cases with limited or degraded evidence, and distinguishing between postmortem changes and antemortem drug use. Additionally, they must stay current with rapidly evolving drug trends and analytical techniques. Effective communication with law enforcement, legal professionals, and other scientists is also crucial, as toxicologists regularly provide expert testimony and written reports for legal proceedings.

What does a forensic toxicologist do?

A forensic toxicologist analyzes biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue to detect and measure drugs, poisons, and other chemicals involved in criminal cases or death investigations. They use laboratory techniques and instrumentation to provide evidence that can determine substance presence and concentration, often working closely with law enforcement and legal teams. Certification and knowledge of toxicology, chemistry, and laboratory safety are essential for this role.

What can you do with a forensic toxicology degree?

A forensic toxicology degree prepares individuals to analyze biological samples for drugs, poisons, and toxins in criminal investigations and legal cases. Graduates can work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or medical examiner offices, often using analytical tools like chromatography and mass spectrometry. Certification and knowledge of legal procedures are also important for career advancement.
More about Forensic Toxicology jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Toxicology jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Toxicology job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Toxicology jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Toxicology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Toxicology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Toxicology jobs are:
Forensic Toxicology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Toxicology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,011 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Chief Scientist - Forensic Toxicology

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Taylorsville, UT • On-site

$43.36 - $72.62/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Chief Scientist - Forensic Toxicology
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $43.36 - $72.62 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - HybridRecruiter - Ashlee Adams ashleeadams@utah.gov 385-538-4235
Application Deadline - 8/9/2026*
*This recruitment may close at any time once a sufficient number of applications have been received. We encourage candidates to submit their application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Forensic Toxicologist is responsible for the direction, leadership, and scientific oversight for the Forensic Toxicology Program for the Utah Public Health Laboratory with the Department of Health and Human Services. The incumbent reports to the Laboratory Director and serves as the subject matter expert for drug metabolism and detection in body fluids and ensure the program provides relevant and accurate, legally defendable scientific data. The incumbent provides supervision to the program, which includes assessing program needs and objectives, determining goals and priorities, analyzing operational costs and effectiveness, establishing policies and procedures, and coordinating multiple staff's assignments, workloads, and performance evaluations. This position may be required to represent the laboratory on interagency committees, task forces, advisory committees and to the public sector.
The incumbent helps to integrate the laboratory's mission of service, teaching, and public health protection by forging relationships with other state programs, law enforcement agencies, criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors, the Office of the Medical Examiner, the local health departments, and the community. The incumbent may be asked to provide expert testimony in trials and depositions. The incumbent must be proficient in advanced and technical instrumentation.
The position also requires knowledge of accreditation standards of the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists and previous experience working in or supervising a forensic toxicology laboratory.
Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:
  • Manages and provides direction, leadership and scientific oversight for a scientific program(s) at the Utah Public Health Laboratory.
  • Sets goals, establishes priorities, manages resources, develops concepts and approaches, and reviews projects progress and results. Provides laboratory consultation in specialized areas of knowledge.
  • Develops, coordinates and implements plans and policies to meet the mission and strategic objectives of the laboratory.
  • Analyzes, summarizes or reviews data; reports findings, interprets results and/or makes recommendations.
  • Develops strong internal and external partnerships.
  • Serves as laboratory liaison or subject matter expert on various inter-agency committees, task forces, advisory committees, etc.
  • Monitors program budget, including revenues, expenditures, and budget projections; and prepares and defends budget recommendations, requests, reports, proposals, and/or projections.
  • Writes, reviews, and/or negotiates grants, contracts and or agreements.
  • Gives expert testimony in court cases and/or hearings.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
  • Interacts with attorneys regarding toxicological findings.
  • Supervises personnel to include: hiring, determining workload and delegating assignments, training, monitoring and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions as necessary

Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Forensic Toxicology or Chemistry but preference may be given for a PhD in Forensic Toxicology or Chemistry with an emphasis on forensic toxicology.
  • Proficient in advanced and technical scientific instrumentation such as GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, ELISA, etc. for program specialty
  • Principles, methods and techniques of management and leadership Laboratory objectives, organization, structure and mission
  • Control and direct the operation of a program or function
  • Technical and analytical services and procedures pertinent to the functions of a laboratory setting
  • Communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, verbally and in writing to groups and individuals
  • Build and lead teams of scientific and public health experts
  • Recognize trends and issues in public health that affect laboratory services
  • Prioritize activities based on available resources and needs
  • Principles, theories, and practices of budget management and performance management
  • Read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
  • Supervise others by assigning/directing work; conducting employee evaluations, staff training and development, taking appropriate disciplinary/corrective actions, and making hiring/termination recommendations

About the Role
Location -
4431 South 2700 West
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States
Background Check Required - Yes
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - AX - Employees in supervisory positions
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyFor more information, CLICK HERE
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.

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