ME-Forensic Laboratory Scientist I

State of Mississippi; Florence (MS); On-site; USD 34,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Mississippi’s Medical Examiner's Office, located in Pearl in Rankin County, is seeking a ME-Forensic Laboratory Scientist I. You will maintain chain of custody for evidence including remains, DNA, fingerprints, and toxicology samples and assist with autopsy paperwork and case management.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in forensic/chemical/physical/biological science and 0–2 years of experience. Proficiency with Justice Trax, MDIlog, and Excel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science and 0–2 years of experience.
• Degree and/or certification requirements vary by unit.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the chain of custody for evidence including human remains, DNA, fingerprints, clothing, projectiles, toxicology samples, gunshot residue, sexual assault materials, and nail clippings.
• Prepare all required paperwork for pathology/Anthropology/odontology documentation and create case folders for autopsy.
• Coordinate information between the ME office, Funeral Home, and Transport agencies; fingerprint decedents for autopsy.
• Perform forensic photography of remains, clothing, and evidence; collect specimens for toxicology, chemistry, or other testing; assist radiology with multiple X-rays.
• Maintain confidentiality and dignity of the deceased; assist with anatomical dissection and organ removal as directed.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Good Laboratory Practices

Observation and Attention to Detail

Computer Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic/chemical/physical/biological science

Tools

Justice Trax

MDIlog

Excel

Job description

ME-Forensic Laboratory Scientist I in 61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS

State of Mississippi

$33,600.00 - $57,330.00 Annually

Location

61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS

Full-Time

Job Number

9645-0728-20261110RANK

0728 - Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

Opening Date

11/10/2026

11/20/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary

$33,600.00

$57,330.00

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 [e-mail].

This job opportunity is in the Medical Examiner's Office in PEARL, MS, in RANKIN COUNTY. The duties and responsibilities of the Medical Examiner Assistant shall be but not limited to maintaining the chain of custody of all evidence. This will include human remains, DNA, fingerprints, clothing, projectiles, toxicology specimens, gunshot residue (GSR), sexual assault, and nail clippings. Prepare all required paperwork needed for pathology/Anthropology/odontology documentation along with the creation of all case folders/packets for autopsy. The organization of incoming and outgoing cases and knowledge of all documentation needed after death (Autopsy permits, Death investigation forms, Death certificates, etc.). Be able to communicate information between ME office and Funeral Home and/or Transport agencies. Fingerprinting of all decedents that come to the office for autopsy. Work involves forensic photography of: human remains, clothing, and evidence. The collection of all required specimens for toxicological, chemistry or other ancillary testing, and radiology- multiple x-rays of human remains. Be able to maintain case and patient confidentiality as well as dignity of the deceased. Have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body along with assisting with external and internal examinations of human remains. Anatomical dissection and removal of internal organs, projectiles, foreign bodies, etc. as directed by supervising pathologist. Work involves demonstrating proficiency in the ME electronic casefile system (Currently Justice Trax), (MDIlog), (Excel). Be able to assist in scientific identifications though: DNA, dental, fingerprints, and surgical hardware.

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.

Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201