Forensic scientist
Forensic scientists prepare traces of physical evidence for use in courts of law.
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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into management and direct other forensics staff as a forensics manager or casework examiner.
You could also work as a reporting scientist, acting as an expert witness in court.
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
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
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
More Information
You could apply to do a Degree Apprenticeship, such as:
- Scientist Level 6
- Research Scientist Level 7
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 degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry.
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.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.