Forensic scientist
Help solve crimes by finding evidence that links a suspect to a crime scene.
About the job
What it's like
You would help to solve crimes by finding evidence that links a suspect to a crime scene.
You’d obtain and analyse evidence from a variety of sources - including blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibres, glass fragments and tyre marks - using forensic techniques and scientific principles.
You might go to crime scenes, which may be unpleasant, and methodically examine them to collect potential evidence. It’s very important to objectively analyse all the traces of physical evidence and prepare them for use in court cases.
Depending on your specialism, you could:
Identify blood groups and do DNA profiling
Analyse fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
Identify, compare and match various materials
Examine splash patterns and the distribution of particles
Analyse handwriting, signatures, ink and paper
Provide expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics
Recovering data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment
Attending crime scenes, such as a murder or fire
Giving impartial scientific evidence in court
You’d also do research and develop new technologies for forensic analysis. You might supervise assistant forensic scientists in the laboratory.
It's a high-pressure job with urgent deadlines and the requirement to justify your findings.
Hours
You would usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some employers operate a shift or on-call system for dealing with high priority work. Flexible or part-time hours may also be available
Environment
You would be based mainly in a laboratory, however you may also visit crime scenes, which could be unpleasant and challenging. You would wear special clothing to prevent contamination and protect you from hazardous substances.
Travel
You may have to travel to crime scenes.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- time management
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Maths (Mathematics)
Science
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Applications of Mathematics
You would need an honours degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a subject such as forensic science, biology or chemistry although it will depend on what area of forensics you'd like to specialise in.
This is a small profession and entry is very competitive so many people have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) (SCQF level 11) in a relevant subject.
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF level 6); some universities may require AABB (first sitting) for entry.
The University of Dundee offers a BSc Life Sciences course with only requires two Highers at B including biology or chemistry and one other subject; this course has been developed for those with high academic potential who experienced disadvantage.
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