Forensic Scientist
What is the work like?
Forensic scientists locate, examine and prepare traces of physical evidence for use in courts of law. They use the principles of biology, chemistry and maths to obtain and analyse evidence from a variety of sources, including blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibres, glass fragments and tyre marks.
As a forensic scientist, the main focus of your work would be looking for evidence to link a suspect with a crime scene. However, your duties could vary depending on your specialism and may include some or all of the following:
- blood grouping and DNA profiling
- analysing fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
- identifying, comparing and matching various materials
- examining splash patterns and the distribution of particles
- analysing handwriting, signatures, ink and paper (known as questioned documents)
- providing expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics
- researching and developing new technologies
- recovering data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment (known as 'electronic casework')
- attending crime scenes, such as a murder or fire
- giving impartial scientific evidence in court (if you have been trained as a 'reporting officer')
- supervising assistant forensic scientists in the lab.
You would use a variety of techniques and equipment to examine evidence, ranging from photography to infra-red, ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Before you can start as a trainee forensic scientist, you are likely to need an honours degree (2:2 or above) in a biology or chemistry-related subject. It is important to check details with potential employers because not all science-based subjects provide the right level of knowledge needed for the job. You may be in competition with candidates with postgraduate qualifications.
You would be at an advantage if you also had at least six months' relevant work experience, for example in a hospital laboratory or as a lab technician in a school.
If you wish to specialise in electronic casework, you may be accepted with experience and qualifications in computing, electrical engineering, electronics or physics.
To work with the Forensic Science Service (the biggest employer of forensic scientists in England and Wales), you will also need to be a citizen of the UK, EU, EEA or Commonwealth, and have been resident in the UK for at least three years. See the FSS website for more details about recruitment.
Alternatively, you may be able to start as an assistant forensic scientist if you have four GCSEs (A-C) including English and biology, chemistry or maths, plus one A level in chemistry or biology. Once you are in post, you could study on a part-time or distance learning basis for a relevant degree.
What further training and development can I do?
As a trainee forensic scientist, you would receive on-the-job training from experienced scientists. This would usually combine in-house courses with practical casework.
If you join the Forensic Science Service (FSS) as a trainee forensic scientist or reporting officer, your training would take around 18 months and lead to a forensic scientist post.
You could go on to take further specialist qualifications, for example the Forensic Science Society diploma course, in an area such as crime scene investigation, document examination, fire investigation, firearms examination and forensic imaging.
Where can I go for more information?
Centre CourtAtlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
Carrickfergus
Northern Ireland
BT38 8PL
Gooch Street North
Birmingham
B5 6QQ
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 1BX
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £20,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings may reach £25,000 to £30,000.
- Senior forensic scientists may earn £45,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some employers operate a shift or on-call system to deal with high-priority work. Flexible or part-time hours may also be available.
You would be based mainly in a lab, however, you may also visit crime scenes, which could involve dealing with unpleasant and challenging situations. You would wear protective clothing to prevent contamination and protect you from hazardous substances.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an enquiring mind
- a logical and analytical approach
- patience and concentration
- highly-developed observational and scientific skills
- objectivity and personal integrity
- a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- the confidence to justify your findings when challenged
- strong written and spoken communication skills
- the ability to work alone and in a team
- the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most job opportunities with the Forensic Science Service (they have 11 sites around the country). You could also work for an independent organisation that provides forensic science services to the police. Public health laboratories, universities and companies that deal with specialised areas (such as fire investigation or examining questioned documents) also recruit forensic scientists.
You may find jobs advertised in the press (for example, The Times and The Guardian), on the Forensic Science Service website, and New Scientist website.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
