Forensic Scientist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Forensic scientists or forensic laboratory analysts use scientific principles and technologies to analyze, identify, compare, classify, and interpret physical evidence submitted by police and related agencies. Technologists in all sections or specialties (biology, toxicology, etc.) conduct tests and examinations and take part in in-house research. (OCCinfo by alis).
Forensic specialists work in police labs across the country, and at some labs independent from police forces, such as The Centre of Forensic Sciences and the Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Medecine Legale. Forensic scientists generally do not visit crime scenes (except for firearms examiners, who are often also police officers, and those members of the lab who analyze explosives and synthetic drug labs). They receive the evidence from Identification Officers, then analyze evidence in labs and submit a report giving their opinion of the weight of the evidence. They will often testify in court as expert witnesses. Forensic scientists are civilians, not police officers. (So you want to be a forensic scientist?, Simon Fraser University)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- So you want to be a Forensic Scientist? - Dr. Gail Anderson, Simon Fraser University
- What is Forensic Science? - Canadian Society of Forensic Science's Student Zone
- Article: Forensic Scientists, beyond CSI - Job Postings magazine
- Interview: Forensic Scientist - from StudyinCanada.com
- Forensic Science Technician Profile - from the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center
- Job Profile: Forensic Scientist - U.K. Prospects
- I Heart My Science Career: Forensic Scientist Interview (U.S.) - ScientificMinds
- Careers in Forensics: Analysis, evidence, and law - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Career Profiles by Let's Talk Science:
- All You Ever Wanted to Know about Forensic Science but Didn't Know Who to Ask (pdf) - Canadian Society of Forensic Science
Education
Forensic specialists have a core scientific background in the field in which they are working - biology, chemistry, etc. Usually they will have a minimum of a four year degree, with honours. (So you want to be a forensic scientist?, Simon Fraser University)
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
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Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook> - Job outlook for the U.S.
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS)
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (U.S.)
- Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners (U.S.)
- American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Government Forensic Labs in Canada - CSFS
- Links of Forensic Interest - CSFS list that includes private labs
- Labs & Experts - Forensics.ca
- Biociences Association of Manitoba
- BioTalent Canada
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- WISE Kid-netic Energy - University of Manitoba outreach group that offers hands on, curriculum based science, engineering and technology deliverables for youth in Kindergarten through grade 12
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - view 'Students and Fellows' programs
- RCMP Forensic Science and Identification Services
- Centre of Forensic Sciences - Government of Ontario
- Winnipeg Police Service - Civil Members
- Vancouver Police Department - Forensic Services - overview of units: Forensic Identification, CSI, Firearm & Toolmark, Tech Crime, Forensic Video, etc.
- Toronto Police Service - Forensic Identification Services - overview of sections and roles
- Wildlife Forensics - Environment Canada
- Forensics: From the Field to the Lab - 2011 edition of RCMP Gazette
- FBI Laboratory Positions - U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
- U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Forensic Magazine online
- Reddy's Forensic Page
- Science Careers magazine - articles, news and profiles (North America)