Forensic scientist
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'Forensic science can be simply defined as the application of science to the law.'
Forensic Science Service (FSS)
Scientists provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.
Forensic scientists are primarily concerned with examining contact trace material associated with crimes. This follows the principle that 'every contact leaves a trace' that will offer potential evidence to link a suspect with the scene of the crime, the victim or the weapon.
In contrast with popular perception, this is a highly scientific role, which often involves detailed, painstaking work. Interest in forensic science has increased over the last few years, partly as a result of popular television crime dramas that do not always reflect the true nature of the work. The number of posts has also risen, due largely to advances in technology generating more research and information storage possibilities, such as the establishment of the National DNA Database.
Job activities very much depend on the area of forensics in which you work. The main areas are:
Within these areas, the work usually involves:
However, there is a degree of cross-over and typical work activities are likely to include some or all of the following:
RSC has more than 47,000 members and is at the heart of a worldwide network of 300,000 scientists. Our award-winning publishing business and international conferences ensure that top scientists around the world rely on us for the latest scientific information. Become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
RSC has more than 47,000 members and is at the heart of a worldwide network of 300,000 scientists. Our award-winning publishing business and international conferences ensure that top scientists around the world rely on us for the latest scientific information. Become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Relevant degree subject areas include physical, mathematical and applied sciences, life and medical sciences, agricultural and horticultural sciences, and engineering. In particular, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:
A good honours degree in a life or physical science, such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology or pharmacology, as well as a relevant postgraduate degree in forensics is the common route for reporting officers (those officers who are required to attend court). Degrees in analytical and forensic chemistry and molecular biology may also be advantageous. While there has been a major increase in the number of forensic science undergraduate degree courses, they do not all provide the skills and knowledge required to work as a forensic scientist, so check details with individual course providers. The Forensic Science Society operates a university course accreditation scheme and details of the accredited courses are available on their website.
The term forensic scientist usually refers to degree holders only, so progression beyond the role of assistant forensic scientist is not possible without a degree or with an HND only. In practice, many assistant forensic scientists have at least a first degree.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is increasingly desirable as competition is intense. A relevant PhD or MSc in forensic science, for example, may increase your chances of being short listed for interview.
Because of the sensitive nature of the work of the FSS, applicants must be UK nationals or citizens of a European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth country and must have resided in the UK for three or more years, although this restriction does not necessarily apply within private sector forensic laboratories.
Pre-entry experience is not formally required but can be an advantage, although direct work experience is rarely available because of the sensitive nature of the work. Work placements occasionally arise in biological research and development and may be advertised on the FSS website. Other relevant experience in an analytical/hospital laboratory may improve your chances and secure a higher starting salary.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Good colour vision is required by some labs. A criminal record or history of drink/drug problems could result in exclusion.
Whilst employment within forensic science has increased dramatically over the last ten years, entry remains extremely competitive. Short-term contracts and agency work are occasionally available and do often result in full-time appointments. However, it is not unusual for graduates to enter the FSS as assistant forensic scientists.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
RSC has more than 47,000 members and is at the heart of a worldwide network of 300,000 scientists. Our award-winning publishing business and international conferences ensure that top scientists around the world rely on us for the latest scientific information. Become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Training varies according to the employer and area of specialty, all entrants will already have relevant educational experience. However, most graduate entrants are likely to undergo a programme of on-the-job training and development, which may involve short, residential courses. Employers provide a programme of training for each new intake of employees. Technical areas covered may include:
More general skills areas in which new entrants may receive training include:
External courses are provided by the relevant sector organisations. Course content will depend on the trainee's original discipline. Occasionally, within the research and development sector, work may be written up as a research project, leading to a PhD or MSc. The changing nature of forensic science means that keeping up to date with research is a vital part of continuing professional development (CPD) at all levels.
RSC has more than 47,000 members and is at the heart of a worldwide network of 300,000 scientists. Our award-winning publishing business and international conferences ensure that top scientists around the world rely on us for the latest scientific information. Become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Until recently, it would take a new entrant between two and five years to reach the status of reporting officer (an officer who can deliver reports in court), but a trainee forensic scientist recruitment scheme has now been developed within the Forensic Science Service (FSS) . The scheme is usually advertised in the autumn, but is dependent on the business need for forensic scientists and is not guaranteed to run annually. Following the successful completion of initial training (usually 18 months), trainees are given their own cases. Other employers in the sector may also offer opportunities for accelerated career development.
Further career progression comes by taking on more responsibilities. Experienced scientists supervise the work of others, visit scenes of crime, attend conferences and perhaps carry out research and publish articles. Promotion is based on experience, responsibility and appraisal reports. Mobility may improve prospects. There is some flexibility as to your choice of area - some forensic scientists choose to stay in the laboratory rather than get involved with crime scene work or court reporting.
It is possible to move into a managerial position, but career development often depends on developing an area of expertise. Recent scientific developments and the creation of the National DNA Database have led to an increased demand for DNA analysts. Movement between disciplines is sometimes necessary but cross-disciplinary training is usually available to assist with this transition.
RSC has more than 47,000 members and is at the heart of a worldwide network of 300,000 scientists. Our award-winning publishing business and international conferences ensure that top scientists around the world rely on us for the latest scientific information. Become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Principal employers of forensic scientists are:
In Scotland, most forensic scientists are civilians employed by the police. There are four laboratories, in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, each serving different regional police forces.
Some forensic scientists are employed by agencies and subcontracted to forensic laboratories.
Occasional vacancies arise in medical schools.
Assistant forensic scientists are recruited at a regional level by individual laboratories. These vacancies are usually advertised in the local or national press. Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies, apart from those listed above, which employ forensic scientists for contract work.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
RSC has more than 47,000 members and is at the heart of a worldwide network of 300,000 scientists. Our award-winning publishing business and international conferences ensure that top scientists around the world rely on us for the latest scientific information. Become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
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