Forensic scientist

Forensic scientist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Forensic scientists are employed by the Forensic Science Service (FSS), police laboratories, Dstl and by specialist private consultancies. The majority of the work is laboratory-based: examining traces of substances such as blood, semen, hairs, fibres, paint, glass, explosives etc. in an attempt to associate or disassociate suspects with victims/crime scenes. Other responsibilities and areas of forensics can include:

• searching for and collecting evidence at the scenes of crimes;
• compiling written reports;
• gathering evidence;
• giving and defending evidence in court;
• recovering data from electronic equipment such as laptops, computers and mobile phones;
• using appropriate analytical techniques such as chromatography, electron microscopy, DNA profiling etc.

The work can require attending unpleasant and disturbing crime scenes in all weathers. Promotional prospects are limited.

There is severe competition for the small number of vacancies that arise each year. Consequently it may be necessary to enter the profession at a junior level (such as assistant forensic scientist). Vacancies are advertised in local, national and regional newspapers and in scientific journals such as The New Scientist. Speculative applications are accepted at the Birmingham laboratory for FSS jobs within England and Wales; or by regional laboratories within Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Qualifications and training required

To become a forensic scientist a good degree result in any scientific subject is necessary. Possession of a forensic science-related qualification at any level can be beneficial. Relevant experience can be difficult to acquire as forensic laboratories do not offer placements, so experience gained using similar scientific and analytical techniques can be useful.

Key skills for forensic scientists

• Logical and independent mind.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal with stressful and emotive situations.
• Accurate colour vision is also a requirement for some positions.