Forensic Science job description

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Forensic science is a vitally important area of science and each scientist must have the ability to work under pressure and maintain intense attention to detail at all times. The role of a Forensic Scientist often involves provides impartial evidence in court to follow up and support the defence’s or prosecution’s investigations.
The areas that a scientist may work in include drugs and toxicology, biology (murders, rapes and assaults), and chemistry (arson and burglary). The candidate will test samples taken from the scene, apply techniques using scanning electron microscopes, genetic fingerprinting and chromatography, as well as sifting through the evidence in minute detail.
The candidate will need to have excellent report writing skills, as well as communication skills. They will also need to be a great team worker and have the ability to work under pressure. The average salary for someone working in forensic science is between £18,296 to £37,275, which includes a 1-3 per cent bonus system from some employers.

Description

Forensic Scientists are required to examine materials and samples related to crimes. They work with police officials, advising them when necessary. These scientists also analyse explosives and firearms, confirming its authenticity or searching for fingerprints. Duties for these workers can vary depending on specialisation area, such as toxicology, documents, firearms, biology, and chemistry.

A Forensic Scientist usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Using complex instruments.
• Writing reports about test results.
• Recovering data from computers and other devices.
• Doing tests on substances.
• Providing expert advice on explosives and firearms.

Skills

• Having high attention to details.
• Having excellent written and spoken communication abilities.
• Being accurate and practical.
• Being able to work alone and with a team.
• Having good problem solving skills.
• Having good IT knowledge.
• Being able to write reports.
• Being able to meet deadlines.
• Having good math and statistics skills.
• Having excellent scientific knowledge.

Education

Forensic Science jobs require a good honours degree (2:2 as a minimum) in scientific subject (including forensic science) or math. It is suggested to have a postgraduate qualification in chemistry, forensic science or biology, or relevant laboratory experience for job application. Degree courses require three GCSE’s/two S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/three H grades including English, Math, and Science subjects.

Some institutions require specifically first degrees in chemistry, forensic, biology, and other sciences. There are relevant postgraduate qualifications that last one year in full time mode.

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