Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists apply scientific procedures and techniques to the examination of potential evidence that may assist in legal investigations.

Forensic scientists may perform the following tasks:

• identify illicit drugs
• analyse drugs and poisons in human tissue and body fluids, including blood alcohol results
• examine and compare materials such as fibres, paints, cosmetics, oils, fuels, plastics, glass, metals, soils and gunshot residues
• examine human and animal biological material to be compared with victims and suspects using DNA profiling
• conduct botanical identification of plant materials at trace levels and whole-plant identification (e.g. cannabis)
• conduct document examinations, both physical (e.g. handwriting, typewriting) and chemical (e.g. analysis of inks and papers)
• analyse computers and obtain data from electronic devices
• examine crime scenes
• identify firearms and ammunition (forensic ballistics)
• detect, enhance, recover and identify latent fingerprints, footprints, tool marks, shoe marks, tyre marks and tracks
• examine fire and explosion scenes to establish the origin and cause
• improve the clarity of, and analyse, audio and video recordings
• produce reports, appear in court and present scientific and/or opinion testimony accurately and in a manner which is readily understood by the court
• make presentations to a wide variety of audiences on the work of forensic scientists
• keep in contact with, and provide advice to, police investigators, legal practitioners, scientists and pathologists across a broad range of disciplines.

Specialisations:

A wide range of expertise is required for forensic investigations. A forensic scientist may specialise in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, botany, pharmacology, toxicology, crime scene examination, firearms examination, fingerprint or document examination.

Personal Requirements:

• good communication skills
• able to remain unbiased in the examination of potential court evidence
• meticulous and capable of clear, logical and lateral thinking
• able to work as part of a team
• initiative and motivation
• perseverance
• good observation skills.

Related Jobs:

• Biochemist
• Biomedical Engineer
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Scientist

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

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