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Jobs: Give Us a Clue

Posted on: Monday, 16 May 2005, 09:00 CDT

NAME: Suzy Morgan

AGE: 29

JOB: Forensic Scientist

PERSONAL: Both of Suzy's parents are in the police force and she always wanted to follow in their footsteps.

She really enjoyed chemistry at school and decided that she could combine her two interests by becoming a forensic scientist.

Suzy graduated from university with a 2:1 in chemistry, and spent a year working in the laboratories of a hospital to gain some experience and also save up enough money to fund a masters degree.

After her postgraduate studies, Suzy found a post as a trainee forensic scientist. The training lasted 18 months.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Forensic scientists provide scientific evidence to help to solve crimes. Their evidence can be used by the defence or prosecution.

Forensic scientists tend to specialise in a particular area, although there may be some degree of crossover. There are three main areas.

Chemistry involves the examination of paint and chemical samples and is often used in investigations into fires and accident reconstructions.

Biology is usually connected to crimes such as murder, assault and rape, and involves blood grouping and DNA testing as well as the examination of minute traces of blood, hair and clothing fibre samples.

Drugs and toxicology involves testing for restricted drugs, analysing blood and urine samples for drugs and alcohol, and examining tissue specimens for poison.

Forensic scientists need to record their findings both in reports and in computer programs and may have to give evidence in court.

In England and Wales, the biggest employer of forensic scientists is the Forensic Science Services (FSS). In Scotland, scientists are mainly employed directly by the police.

Forensic scientists can also work in independent laboratories, which cover all types of investigation.

SKILLS AND PERSONALITY: Forensic scientists need to be method- ical and pay close attention to detail.

They should have a genuine interest in science and be committed to keeping up with the latest developments and updating their skills.

Scientists need to recognise when their initial ideas are wrong and pursue other lines of inquiry and should be able to think laterally.

As they may need to give evidence in court, strong communication skills are also needed. They should be good at explaining complicated scientific findings and be confident enough to cope with cross-examination.

Good colour vision is a requirement in some branches of forensic science.

TRAINING AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: To become a forensic scientist, applicants will need a scientific degree, usually a 2:2 in a chemistry- or biology-related subject. Some universities also offer degrees in forensic science.

Most degree courses require two or three A-levels, including science subjects, plus GCSE passes in maths and English.

Competition for jobs can be very tough and many applicants have postgraduate qualifications. Because of the sensitive nature of the job, work experience in forensic labs is rarely available, but relevant experience in other laboratory environments will be an advantage.

The FSS usually recruits trainees once a year around the summer/ autumn period although recruitment is not guaranteed to run annually. Training lasts about 18 months.

It is also possible to enter the profession as an assistant forensic scientist. Assistants undertake biology and chemistry- based analytical work and are mostly laboratory-based.

Assistant forensic scientists need at least one A-level in a science subject and four GCSEs including English and either chemistry, biology or maths.

However, many assistants are graduates, and a degree is needed to progress to forensic scientist.

EARNINGS AND PROSPECTS: Assistant forensic scientists earn about pounds 18,000 a year, and forensic scientists start on around pounds 22,000. Experienced scientists can expect to earn in excess of pounds 30,000.

Career progression usually involves taking on more responsibility. Experienced scientists will supervise others, attend scenes of crimes and possibly carry out further research.

Many people progress by specialising further, while others move into education or become self-employed as private consultants.

MAIN MOAN: It can be quite pressured, especially when you're giving evidence in court.

MAIN SATISFACTION: It's such a fascinating job and it's changing all the time, thanks to new breakthroughs.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Forensic Science Services website at www.forensic.gov.uk

Source: Sunday Mercury; Birmingham (UK)

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