Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists support civil and criminal investigations by providing impartial scientific evidence.

Those involved in criminal proceedings often assist police enquiries where scientific advice is needed. They may examine a wide range of materials and traces, such as glass, paint, blood and other body fluids, connected with crimes. These might, for example, either link a suspect to the victim or to the scene of crime or may help to eliminate a suspect from an enquiry.

The work of a forensic scientist varies depending on the area of investigation. Typical duties may involve recovering samples for analysis, analysing samples such as body fluids in the laboratory, using various testing techniques, and analysing and interpreting results. They may submit their findings in a formal statement or report and those who have progressed to become reporting officers may attend court to give evidence.

Forensic scientists usually work 35 to 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. There may be shifts and on-call work. They work in laboratories and some may travel to crime scenes.

Salaries may range from around £16,000 a year for an assistant forensic scientist to around £50,000 a year for a senior forensic scientist.

A forensic scientist should:

• have strong scientific ability
• have good verbal and written communication skills
• be able to explain complex scientific information
• pay excellent attention to detail
• have a strong interest in science.

Some forensic scientists work for local police services, others work for commercial forensic science service providers, such as the Forensic Science Service (FSS), or for government agencies.

Trainee forensic scientists need a good honours degree in a scientific subject, preferably in a biology or chemistry-related subject. Competition is very fierce and many applicants have also gained a postgraduate qualification in forensic science. Many graduates enter at assistant forensic scientist level.

The FSS operates a trainee forensic science (reporting officer) scheme lasting one-and-a-half years. Most training is done on the job, supplemented by specialist courses. The Forensic Science Society (FSSoc) offers practitioners in specified areas the opportunity to study for a Professional Diploma. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important.

Assistant forensic scientists with relevant degrees may develop into court-going reporting officers and eventually may move into senior roles. Some forensic scientists move into education as university lecturers, while others become self-employed forensic consultants. There may be opportunities to work abroad.

Further details