Forensic Scientist (Job ID 165885)

Soft Tox; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 56,931 - 85,396; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Scientific Laboratories seeks an experienced Forensic Scientist I to perform forensic analysis of biological samples in criminal investigations, including testing for drugs and poisons in evidential specimens.

The role includes technical review of colleagues' results and providing factual/expert testimony in court when required. Candidates should hold relevant science degrees and meet program requirements for toxicology analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology.
• Nine credit hours of coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, including statistics or population genetics.
• Chemists require a Bachelor's in Chemistry or Biology/Forensic Science with 20 chemistry credits.
• Latent Print and Firearm Forensic Scientists: degree in any discipline or associates plus experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform forensic analysis of biological samples in criminal investigations.
• Test for presence of drugs/poisons and generate formal reports.
• Provide factual/expert testimony in court when needed.
• Develop new analytical methods and review others' testing results.

Skills

Testimony experience

Analytical chemistry

GC/MS

LC/MS

Drug testing

Education

Bachelor's in Biology/C Chemistry/Forensic Science

Job description

Salary: $56,931.00 - $85,396.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Aug 26, 2026

Forensic Toxicology

The New Mexico Scientific Laboratories conducts tests for infectious diseases threatening people, livestock and wildlife, as well as for hazardous materials and pollutants in our water, air and milk. The Toxicology Bureau specifically provides toxicology and testimony services for criminal cases involving alcohol and/or drugs in New Mexico. This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Why does the job exist?

This position performs forensic analysis of biological samples in criminal investigations within an accredited laboratory. The position performs testing for the presence of drugs and poisons in evidential blood and urine samples collected during driving while intoxicated (DWI) and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) investigations. This position will perform technical review of other analysts' testing results. This position also provides factual/expert testimony in a court of law when needed.

How does it get done?

Forensic Scientist I employees analyze complex data and test biological samples to find drugs/toxins and their metabolites. Employees also analyze results of analyses and create formal reports. Furthermore, employees help develop new analytical methods and provide factual/expert testimony in courts of law.

Who are the customers?

The Toxicology Bureau analyzes casework submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico and the Office of the Medical Investigator. Our customers are the citizens of the State of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

• 1) Factual and/or expert testimony experience in a court of law.
• 2) Two years of analytical chemistry experience within a forensic toxicology laboratory.
• 3) Experience in the operation gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and associated software programs.
• 4) Experience conducting tests for the presence of drugs and poisons.

For DNA Analysts, a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology from an accredited college or university and completion of nine (9) credit hours of coursework in any combination of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, to include any course work in statistics or population genetics. For Chemists, a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or in Biology or Forensic Science which must include a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of chemistry coursework. For Latent Print and Firearm Forensic Scientists, a Bachelor's degree in any discipline will be accepted, or an Associates' degree plus two (2) years of additional laboratory experience or four (4) years of additional laboratory experience can substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Employment Requirements

• Driver's License
• Defensive Driving Certificate
• Drug Screening

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory with potential exposure to hazardous solvents, acids, bases, and chemical/biological agents. Forensic Scientist I may be exposed to mechanical hazards due to extended standing and repetitive trunk, arm, hand & neck movements. These mechanical hazards result from extended computer use and extended performance of assays/methodologies. The position involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation, high-pressure gas cylinders, and liquid nitrogen cylinders. In addition, the position requires the ability to lift and/or push 50 lbs. Strict adherence to safety policy is mandatory and the Forensic Scientist I should be aware of exposure to odors, background noise, unknown compounds in samples, broken glassware, hot surfaces, and biological pathogens.