Full Time Forensic Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $33,600.00 - $59,049.90 Annually
Location : 61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9645-0728-20260904rank
Department: 0728 - Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $33,600.00
Agency Maximum Salary: $59,049.90
About the Agency: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's goal is to make Mississippi a safer place for the state's three million residents. Our employees perform a variety of tasks, including issuing driver's licenses and firearm permits, patrolling our roads and highways, keeping drugs off the streets, providing training and certification to law enforcement agencies, conducting forensic analysis and investigations, and much more. For questions regarding this position please contact humanresources@dps.ms.gov.
About the Position: This non-state service, time-limited position is with the MS Crime Laboratory, PEARL, MS, located in RANKIN COUNTY, MS. The position requires the ability to accurately process highly sensitive forensic evidence, identify and preserve biological evidence, perform appropriate scientific examinations, prepare specimens for DNA analysis, document analytical findings, maintain complete case records, and provide accurate information to investigators, attorneys, and other authorized personnel.The incumbent works as part of a multidisciplinary forensic team and may interact with law enforcement agencies, medical personnel, forensic nurses, investigators, prosecutors, attorneys, and other Crime Laboratory personnel.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDuties and responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:Receive, document, inventory, and securely maintain sexual assault evidence kits and related forensic evidence submitted to the Crime Laboratory.Maintain a complete and accurate chain of custody for all evidence from receipt through examination, transfer, storage, and final disposition.Examine sexual assault evidence kits to determine the types and quantities of evidence submitted and ensure that evidence is properly documented and accounted for.Review evidence packaging, seals, labels, case numbers, submission forms, and other documentation for accuracy and completeness.Identify and document discrepancies, damaged packaging, compromised seals, missing information, or other conditions that may affect evidence integrity.Perform scientific examinations of biological evidence associated with sexual assault investigations in accordance with laboratory protocols and validated procedures.Process items of evidence for the identification, detection, collection, and preservation of biological material.Conduct appropriate screening and examination procedures for biological evidence as authorized by laboratory protocols.Prepare appropriate samples and evidence for DNA analysis and coordinate submission to the applicable DNA section or laboratory unit.Assist with the identification, evaluation, and documentation of biological stains and other evidence relevant to sexual assault investigations.Process evidence such as clothing, swabs, bedding, personal effects, and other items submitted in connection with sexual assault cases.Document observations, analytical procedures, results, and conclusions in accordance with Crime Laboratory policies and quality assurance requirements.Prepare clear, accurate, and technically appropriate laboratory reports documenting examination results.Maintain complete case files, worksheets, photographs, analytical documentation, quality-control records, and other required laboratory documentation.Enter and maintain case information in the Crime Laboratory's electronic case management system and applicable databases.
What you'll need to be Successful: Critical Thinking; Good Laboratory Practices; Observation and Attention to Detail; Computer Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science and 0-2 years of experience. Specific degree and/or certification requirements based on assigned unit. Agency preferred qualifications: at least a minimum of 6 months of experience.
No available description
Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick LeaveFull-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 10 years of experience
• More than 10 years

02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science?

• None
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 30 semester hours
• Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Required Question