Forensic Scientist Jobs
Forensic Scientist jobs are open across government agencies, law enforcement, private labs, and healthcare organizations, from entry-level technician to senior examiner and lab director, with specializations in DNA analysis, toxicology, and digital forensics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Forensic Scientist jobs
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), KNOX COUNTY
This position is with the TBI Forensic Services Division - Knoxville Laboratory.
For more information, visit the link below:
www.tbijobs.com
Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other natural or physical sciences; forensic science, or other forensic related areas; including a minimum of thirty-six progressive quarter hours (twenty-four semester hours) in chemistry or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related coursework.
A transcript with all chemistry credits or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency can properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.
Applicants for this class must:
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application;
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license;
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
- Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority;
- Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment;
- Participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures;
- Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
Overview
This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests such as analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of a criminal investigation; composes technical laboratory reports describing the results of tests; and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness. An incumbent in this classification performs duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As experience and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.
*An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Forensic Scientist 2*; `unacceptable' or `needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
- Analyzes or assists in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for use in the investigation of a crime.
- Evaluates and compares unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases [e.g., Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)] to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences for use in the investigation of a crime.
- Demonstrates and articulates knowledge and proficiency in methodology for the assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question and answer sessions, mock cases, and mock court settings.
- Assists with discipline specific instrument maintenance and quality control duties to ensure the integrity of testing results.
- Uses the laboratory information system to review case information, track evidence, enter results, and generate reports.
- Documents, processes, and preserves forensic evidence in the laboratory for use in the investigation of a crime.
- Testifies and/or consults as an expert witness for judicial proceedings to communicate laboratory results.
- Performs technical and administrative peer reviews of forensic casework to ensure accuracy of testing results and compliance with laboratory and discipline specific policies.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Decision Quality
- Nimble Learning
- Plans and Aligns
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
Knowledges:
- Law and Government
- Chemistry
- Biology
Skills:
- Writing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
Abilities:
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
Tools & Equipment
- Laboratory Information System and Forensic Databases
- Hand Tools
- Scientific Laboratory Equipment
- Computers
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), KNOX COUNTY
This position is with the TBI Forensic Services Division - Knoxville Laboratory.
For more information, visit the link below:
www.tbijobs.com
Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other natural or physical sciences; forensic science, or other forensic related areas; including a minimum of thirty-six progressive quarter hours (twenty-four semester hours) in chemistry or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related coursework.
A transcript with all chemistry credits or equivalent chemistry and/or forensic science related credits is required to be uploaded with an employment application in order that the agency can properly evaluate a candidate's eligibility for a position in this classification.
Applicants for this class must:
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application;
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license;
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
- Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority;
- Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment;
- Participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures;
- Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
Overview
This classification performs a variety of laboratory tests such as analyzing physical, chemical, or biological evidence collected in support of a criminal investigation; composes technical laboratory reports describing the results of tests; and testifies in criminal court as an expert witness. An incumbent in this classification performs duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As experience and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.
*An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Forensic Scientist 2*; `unacceptable' or `needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
- Analyzes or assists in the analysis of physical and/or biological evidence using scientific principles, instrumentation, and methods to generate laboratory reports for use in the investigation of a crime.
- Evaluates and compares unknown forensic evidence against known reference standards and/or forensic databases [e.g., Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)] to determine identity, similarities, patterns, or differences for use in the investigation of a crime.
- Demonstrates and articulates knowledge and proficiency in methodology for the assigned discipline through competency tests, presentations, question and answer sessions, mock cases, and mock court settings.
- Assists with discipline specific instrument maintenance and quality control duties to ensure the integrity of testing results.
- Uses the laboratory information system to review case information, track evidence, enter results, and generate reports.
- Documents, processes, and preserves forensic evidence in the laboratory for use in the investigation of a crime.
- Testifies and/or consults as an expert witness for judicial proceedings to communicate laboratory results.
- Performs technical and administrative peer reviews of forensic casework to ensure accuracy of testing results and compliance with laboratory and discipline specific policies.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Decision Quality
- Nimble Learning
- Plans and Aligns
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
Knowledges:
- Law and Government
- Chemistry
- Biology
Skills:
- Writing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
Abilities:
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
Tools & Equipment
- Laboratory Information System and Forensic Databases
- Hand Tools
- Scientific Laboratory Equipment
- Computers
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
See All 19 Forensic Scientist Jobs
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Find Forensic Scientist JobsForensic Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in forensic scientist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, or biology
- Experience with analytical instruments such as GCMS, LCMS, or FTIR
- Knowledge of chain-of-custody documentation and evidence handling procedures
- Familiarity with ASCLD, ISO 17025, or other laboratory accreditation standards
- Ability to write clear, court-admissible scientific reports
- Experience testifying or preparing testimony as an expert witness
Tips for Your Forensic Scientist Job Search
Tailor your resume to lab accreditation standards
Many forensic labs operate under ASCLD or ISO 17025 accreditation, and hiring managers scan for familiarity with those frameworks. Call out any coursework, internships, or case work completed in an accredited setting rather than listing generic lab skills.
Highlight specific instrumentation you have operated
Job postings frequently require hands-on experience with GCMS, LC-MS/MS, or AFIS. Name the exact instruments you've used and the sample types you analyzed, because a vague 'proficient in analytical instruments' won't clear an applicant tracking system filter.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists forensic scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by jurisdiction type separately
Federal crime labs, state medical examiner offices, and private contract labs each have different hiring pipelines and timelines. Treat each jurisdiction as a separate search so you're customizing your application to their specific chain-of-custody and testimony requirements.
Prepare a courtroom testimony example for interviews
Interviewers at crime labs almost always ask how you've communicated technical findings to a non-scientific audience. Have a concise example ready that describes the case type, your role, and how you presented evidence under cross-examination or in a written report.
Negotiate start date around background clearance timelines
Government and law enforcement forensic roles often require a background investigation that runs four to twelve weeks. Don't accept a compressed start date without confirming the clearance process is already underway, or you risk jeopardizing the offer.
Forensic Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most forensic scientists?
Bexar County, AEI Corporation, and City of Phoenix are hiring the most forensic scientists right now, with openings concentrated in Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is particularly strong at government crime labs and contract laboratory services firms.
How many forensic scientist jobs are remote?
About 33% of forensic scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most lab work. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote arrangements are digital forensics, forensic data analysis, and report-writing or case review roles that don't require physical evidence handling.
How do you become a forensic scientist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, then gain hands-on lab experience through internships at a crime lab, medical examiner's office, or accredited private lab. Build proficiency with instrumentation like GCMS or AFIS, pursue discipline-specific certification from bodies such as the American Board of Criminalistics, and develop your report-writing skills since clear technical documentation is required in every specialty.
Can you get a forensic scientist job with little experience?
Entry-level forensic scientist roles do exist, particularly as lab technicians or evidence technicians at state and county agencies, and they're specifically designed for candidates coming directly from degree programs. Strengthen your application by completing an internship at an accredited lab, documenting any casework or capstone projects on your resume, and obtaining student affiliate membership in a professional organization like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences to show engagement with the field.
What does the forensic scientist interview process look like?
Most forensic scientist interviews include a technical screening with a lab supervisor to assess your instrumentation knowledge and understanding of chain-of-custody protocols, followed by a panel interview with senior examiners and sometimes legal staff. Candidates for government positions often complete a written exercise covering evidence documentation or report writing. Background checks and drug screening are standard final steps before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to forensic scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to forensic scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 19 Forensic Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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