| Location | Oxford, MS |
| Salary | $33,600–$57,330 Per Year |
Forensic Laboratory Scientist I
Salary
$33,600.00 - $57,330.00 Annually
Location
36 - LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9645-0728-20260803LT
Department
0728 - Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Opening Date
08/03/2026
Closing Date
8/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$33,600.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$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 humanresources@dps.ms.gov.
About the Position
This job opportunity is in the Medical Examiners Office in OXFORD, MS, in LAFAYETTE 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 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.
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