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Forensic scientist Opportunities

Forensic scientist

Forensic scientists prepare traces of physical evidence for use in courts of law.

Salary

£18,000 - £45,000

Typical hours

37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)

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What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

How to become Forensic scientist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • forensic science
  • a related subject like chemistry, biological science, physics or medical sciences

Entry to jobs is competitive, so it may help to choose a university qualification accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

The following science degree apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • research scientist degree apprenticeship
  • laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship

It will help if you do your aprenticeship with a company that provides forensic science services, or with a police force that has its own in-house lab facilities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Direct Application

You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry.

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Career tips

If you want to specialise in recovering data from computers and mobile phones, you'll need relevant experience and qualifications. Useful subjects include computing, electrical engineering, electronics or physics.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for professional development and advice. The society has student membership, for undergraduates aiming to get into a forensic science career.

Further information

You can find out more on careers in forensics from The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • perform blood grouping and DNA profiling
  • analyse fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
  • examine splash patterns and the distribution of particles
  • analyse handwriting, signatures, ink and paper
  • provide expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics
  • research and develop new technologies
  • recover data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment
  • attend crime scenes, like a murder or fire
  • give impartial, scientific evidence in court

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, in a court or visit sites.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

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