Forensic Scientist

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £45,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

on call at short notice

How To Become a Forensic Scientist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

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

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a laboratory scientist higher or degree apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could be:

blood grouping and DNA profiling
analysing fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
examining splash patterns and the distribution of particles
analysing handwriting, signatures, ink and paper
providing expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics
researching and developing new technologies
recovering data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment
attending crime scenes, like a murder or fire
giving impartial, scientific evidence in court

Working Environment

You could work on the streets, in a laboratory or in a court.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

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.

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks