Forensic
Science
Education
Forensic
Science
Education
or
Finding a Forensic Job
Dr. Jason Linville
University of Alabama at Birmingham
jglinvil@uab.edu
The Beginning
“Neato. Maybe I want to be a
forensic scientist.”
Questions:
What does a forensic scientist do?
What type of education is needed for the
job?
Summary
Jobs in Forensic Science
Education in Forensic Science
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Forensic Science
Dick Cheney
George W. Bush
American
Forensic Science
Let’s GO!
Summary
Jobs in Forensic Science
Education in Forensic Science
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Jobs in Forensic
Science
Jobs in Forensic Science
Many Areas:
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Fingerprinting
Firearms
Documents
Trace Evidence
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•
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DNA
Drugs
Related Areas
Jobs in Forensic Science
What would I do?
What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
Jobs in Forensic Science
What would I do?
What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
Jobs in Forensic Science
Two main areas of forensic science:
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Biology
Other areas (entomology, psychiatry, odontology, etc.)
Jobs in Forensic Science
Forensic Chemistry
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•
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Drugs
Trace
Firearms
•
•
Fingerprints
Arson
What does the analyst do?
Jobs in Forensic Science
Forensic Chemistry (inside the lab)
Instrumental Analysis
•
GC/MS, Infrared spectroscopy
Microscopic Analysis
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Fibers, drugs, hair, trace
Database Analysis
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Fingerprint, ballistic search
Jobs in Forensic Science
Forensic Chemistry (outside the lab)
Crime Scene Work
•
Not necessarily required
Court Testimony
Scientific Meetings
•
Presentations, continuing education
Jobs in Forensic Science
Forensic Biology (inside the lab)
DNA Extraction and Amplification
•
Pipettes and small tubes
Instrumental and Computer Analysis
•
Generates a genetic profile
Forensic Serology
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Detecting blood or semen stains
Jobs in Forensic Science
Forensic Biology (outside the lab)
Crime Scene Work
•
Not necessarily required
Court Testimony
Scientific Meetings
•
Presentations, continuing education
Jobs in Forensic Science
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
•
Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Odontology
• Forensic Pathology
Forensic scientists in these fields are educated
in the general field, then specialize in the
forensic application of the science.
Jobs in Forensic Science
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
•
Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Odontology
• Forensic Pathology
Entomologists and Anthropologists most likely
work mainly in a University setting.
Jobs in Forensic Science
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
•
Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Odontology
• Forensic Pathology
Forensic Odontologists are probably
practicing dentists.
Jobs in Forensic Science
Many fields of study have forensic applications:
•
Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Odontology
• Forensic Pathology
Forensic Pathologists are probably full-time
Forensic Pathologists.
Jobs in Forensic Science
What would I do?
What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
Jobs in Forensic Science
Forensic Scientist or Criminalist (entry level):
•
In Alabama, enter as Forensic Scientist I
• Perform analysis & testify
Forensic Scientist and Criminalist II - IV
•
Can have additional supervisory duties
• Sometimes other titles (technical leader or
coordinator)
Director or Assistant Director
Jobs in Forensic Science
What would I do?
What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
Jobs in Forensic Science
Where would I work?
1. State Agency
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State Police
State Bureau of Investigation
County or City Crime Labs
2. Federal Agencies
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FBI
DEA
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ATF
Armed Forces
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Secret Service
U.S. Postal Service
Jobs in Forensic Science
Where would I work?
3. Private Labs
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•
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Private DNA Labs
Paternity Labs
Drug Analysis
4. Non Forensic Laboratories
•
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Analytical Chemistry
Research Labs
•
Pursue an advanced
degree
Jobs in Forensic Science
What would I do?
What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
Jobs in Forensic Science
Money?
•
Marry a rich person
•
Entry Level: $30,000 – $40,000
Education in Forensic
Science
Education in Forensic Science
What do I need to get a job?
•
B.S.?
• Masters?
• Ph.D.?
•
Law Degree?
• Medical Degree?
In my personal opinion, a Masters Degree in Forensic Science
will best prepare an individual for a career in forensic science.
Education in Forensic Science
Undergraduate Education:
What’s my major?
Myth: Forensic Science is half science
and half criminal justice
Fact: Forensic Science is mostly science
Education in Forensic Science
Undergraduate Education:
What’s my major?
Chemistry or Biology (B.S.)
Forensic Science (B.S.)
(also Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology)
B.S. in Forensic Science may help,
but does not guarantee a job after undergrad.
Education in Forensic Science
Undergraduate Programs:
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University of New Haven
West Virginia University
Florida International University
Ohio University
Complete List: American Academy of Forensic Sciences
www.aafs.org
Education in Forensic Science
Graduate Education:
Masters of Science in Forensic Science
•
Masters Degree makes you more
competitive compared to B.S. applicants
•
Allows for additional lab experience
including internships
•
Allows for promotion to supervisory positions
Education in Forensic Science
Graduate Programs:
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•
•
•
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of New Haven
Marshall University
University of Illinois - Chicago
George Washington University
Complete List: American Academy of Forensic Sciences
www.aafs.org
Education in Forensic Science
Education for Other Areas:
•
•
•
Forensic Entomology
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Psychiatry
Requires a Ph.D.
Research mentor should work in the field.
Education in Forensic Science
Education for Other Areas:
•
•
Forensic Odontology
Forensic Pathology
Requires a M.D. or dental degree (D.D.S.)
May be specialized degree programs.
FORENSIC CHEMIST
The Oakland County Human Resources Office is seeking applicants for the position of
Forensic Chemist. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry,
biology, microbiology, biochemistry, forensic science; AND two (2) years experience in a lab
with analysis in controlled substances, trace evidence, and/or serology. A master's degree in
one of the fields listed may substitute for one (1) year experience. Applicants must not have
been convicted of a violation of criminal law. Responsibilities include the analysis,
identification, and classification of a variety of trace/chemical evidence and preserves it for
future court room testimony; using a variety of analytical instrument techniques to
characterize materials and identify samples and specimens; testifying in court as an expert
witness regarding evidence and forensic laboratory techniques; conferring with experts when
reviewing evidence; performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required;
preparing and conducting presentations to community organizations; assisting with training
new personnel; preparing reports, correspondence and records; and, coordinating the
destruction of evidence. The above job description is for informational purposes only and is
not intended to be all inclusive or limiting as to specific duties. All persons interested in
applying for this examination must complete the required official Oakland County Merit
System employment application forms, and submit these forms directly to the Personnel
Department. Salary: $49,126 - $64,434/annual.
FORENSIC CHEMIST
The Oakland County Human Resources Office is seeking applicants for the position of
Forensic Chemist. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry,
biology, microbiology, biochemistry, forensic science; AND two (2) years experience in a lab
with analysis in controlled substances, trace evidence, and/or serology. A master's degree in
one of the fields listed may substitute for one (1) year experience. Applicants must not have
been convicted of a violation of criminal law. Responsibilities include the analysis,
identification, and classification of a variety of trace/chemical evidence and preserves it for
future court room testimony; using a variety of analytical instrument techniques to
characterize materials and identify samples and specimens; testifying in court as an expert
witness regarding evidence and forensic laboratory techniques; conferring with experts when
reviewing evidence; performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required;
preparing and conducting presentations to community organizations; assisting with training
new personnel; preparing reports, correspondence and records; and, coordinating the
destruction of evidence. The above job description is for informational purposes only and is
not intended to be all inclusive or limiting as to specific duties. All persons interested in
applying for this examination must complete the required official Oakland County Merit
System employment application forms, and submit these forms directly to the Personnel
Department. Salary: $49,126 - $64,434/annual.
FORENSIC CHEMIST
The Oakland County Human Resources Office is seeking applicants for the position of
Forensic Chemist. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry,
biology, microbiology, biochemistry, forensic science; AND two (2) years experience in a lab
with analysis in controlled substances, trace evidence, and/or serology. A master's degree in
one of the fields listed may substitute for one (1) year experience. Applicants must not have
been convicted of a violation of criminal law. Responsibilities include the analysis,
identification, and classification of a variety of trace/chemical evidence and preserves it for
future court room testimony; using a variety of analytical instrument techniques to
characterize materials and identify samples and specimens; testifying in court as an expert
witness regarding evidence and forensic laboratory techniques; conferring with experts when
reviewing evidence; performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required;
preparing and conducting presentations to community organizations; assisting with training
new personnel; preparing reports, correspondence and records; and, coordinating the
destruction of evidence. The above job description is for informational purposes only and is
not intended to be all inclusive or limiting as to specific duties. All persons interested in
applying for this examination must complete the required official Oakland County Merit
System employment application forms, and submit these forms directly to the Personnel
Department. Salary: $49,126 - $64,434/annual.
FORENSIC SCIENTISTS - ENTRY LEVEL AND LEVEL I
(Posted 6/27/03)
The Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division is seeking applicant
for Forensic Scientist Entry and Forensic Scientist I level positions for all
disciplines including controlled substance, toxicology, DNA, latent prints,
crime scenes, and primary evidence evaluation. Application forms may be
obtained from any local office of the Oregon Employment Department,
most state agency personnel offices, or at the following website www.oregonjobs.org. If you have a disability and need an alternate
format, call the Personnel Services Section at (503) 378-3720 Ext 4711.
For any inquiries or questions regarding the application process or these
positions, please email osp.forensics@state.or.us.
DRUG ANALYST
(Posted 8/19/03)
The Hamilton County Coroner's Crime Laboratory is seeking applicants
for the position of Drug Analyst. Qualifications include a BS/BA degree in
forensic science or some other natural science from an accredited college.
Applicants must have completed an internship in a forensic lab.
Responsibilities include analyzing and identifying controlled substances
by instrumental means to meet the requirements of a Rapid Indictment
Program. Salary: $33,467/annual. Applicants selected for interviews pay
their own travel and expenses. Lab is accredited by ASCLD/LAB and
NAME.
CONTACT:
William L. Dean
3159 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 946-8755
Fax: (513) 946-8772
bill.dean@hamilton-co.org
www.hamilton-co.org/coroner
FORENSIC DNA ANALYSTS
(Posted 7/16/03)
Orchid Cellmark, currently seeks Forensic DNA Analysts for its
Germantown, MD, facility. Analysts are responsible for performing DNA
Profiling procedures including conducting DNA purification, PCR
amplification, fluorescent DNA analysis and various other laboratory skills
and techniques on forensic high-throughput criminal casework samples.
Scientists will also interpret test results, and provide court testimony as
required. Candidates must possess a BS degree in a biological science.
Minimum six months to one year of forensic DNA experience. Experience
with ABI 377, 3100 or 310 Genesequencers desirable. Excellent written
and oral communications skills required. Candidates must submit
transcripts from degree programs to verify satisfaction of ASCLD-LAB
requirements. Please submit resume, cover letter with salary history, and
transcripts. For immediate consideration e-mail cover letter and resume to
rzaner@orchid.com.
Jobs in Forensic Science
Note about Crime Scene Work:
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•
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Some, but not all, forensic scientists work
crime scenes
System varies from region to region
Death scene investigator is a real job
Landing your ideal job requires patience
and the ability to relocate.
CSI: Fact or Fiction?
Fact:
Crime scene investigators do exist
Investigation system varies from region to region
Fiction:
They do too much!
Not very likely that they dramatically
communicate with the victims or suspects
Finding a Job in
Forensic Science
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Thank you, Internet.
•
American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)
www.aafs.org
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Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD)
www.ascld.org
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State or Federal Web Pages
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Word of Mouth (through University)
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Interview Process:
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Extensive Background Check
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Past Landlords
Past Employers
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Polygraph
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Relatively Strict on Past Drug Use
Finding a Job in Forensic Science
Job Availability:
10,000 positions to fill,
but no money to pay employees.
Flexibility in relocation greatly enhances
your chances of getting a job.
Web Links
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American Academy of Forensic Sciences www.aafs.org
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
www.ascld.org
List of Graduate Programs
http://www.gradschools.com/listings/all/forensic.html
FSU Professor Opinion
http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html