CL-Forensic Laboratory Scientist I
Salary
$33,600.00 - $59,049.90 Annually
Location
61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9645-0728-20260908Rn
Department
0728 - Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Opening Date
09/08/2026
Closing Date
9/22/2026 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 position is with the MS Crime Laboratory, PEARL, MS, located in RANKIN COUNTY, MS. The Forensic Laboratory Scientist I serves as a Drug Section Examiner within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) Crime Laboratory and performs professional-level forensic examinations of evidence submitted in criminal investigations. The position is responsible for the scientific analysis and identification of suspected controlled substances and other drug-related evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout Mississippi. The incumbent applies established scientific methods, laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and analytical techniques to examine evidence and determine the presence and identity of controlled substances. The position ensures that examinations are conducted accurately, objectively, and in accordance with established laboratory procedures, applicable laws, accreditation requirements, and quality assurance standards. The Forensic Laboratory Scientist I plays a critical role in the criminal justice system by providing scientifically valid and legally defensible laboratory results that assist law enforcement investigations, prosecutors, defense counsel, and the courts. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Forensic Drug Examination Receives, examines, documents, and analyzes evidence submitted to the Drug Section for forensic examination. Performs qualitative and, when applicable, quantitative analyses of suspected controlled substances and drug-related materials. Identifies controlled substances and other chemical compounds using validated forensic laboratory methodologies. Conducts examinations of evidence including powders, tablets, capsules, plant material, liquids, residues, paraphernalia, and other suspected drug-related items. Utilizes appropriate analytical instrumentation and laboratory techniques to identify and characterize controlled substances. Performs examinations in accordance with validated procedures and approved laboratory protocols. Determines appropriate analytical procedures based on the type, condition, and quantity of evidence submitted. Properly documents observations, analytical procedures, test results, calculations, and conclusions. Evaluates analytical data and determines whether the results support the identification of a particular controlled substance. Performs appropriate presumptive and confirmatory testing as established by laboratory procedures. Operates, maintains, and performs routine quality checks on laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Recognizes unusual analytical findings, instrument abnormalities, contamination concerns, or other conditions that may affect examination results and takes appropriate corrective action.
What youll 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. Hiring agency prefers: Bachelor's degree in a physical science from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a minimum of 24 hours in chemistry to include analytical chemistry or quantitative analysis.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible 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 Leave
Full-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.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed related to forensic, chemical, physical, or biological science?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406
| Location | Brandon, MS |
| Salary | $33,600–$59,049.90 Per Year |
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