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Forensic Scientist*

Last modified: August 04, 2010, 10:42 AM

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This is an ideal career for analytical and logical thinkers. Forensic scientists apply their specialist knowledge of techniques and procedures to assist in investigations. The ultimate purpose of forensic examination is to present reliable results and conclusions to a court of law.

Typical Career Progression

Career progression and remuneration varies across organisations, the following information is provided as a guide only. The information does not include allowances or conditions which will vary according to your role and responsibilities.
Generally, there is a considerable amount of training required to progress from one level to the next.

This training may be provided wholly ‘in house’ or may also involve the successful completion of an external course. Career progression can be difficult in some organisations, depending on vacancies and resource funding.

	Position	Remuneration	Experience	Education
Start Position	Trainee	$51 - $59,000	0 Years	BSc, BSc(Hons) or higher
1st Promotion	Forensic Officer	$59 - $76,000	1 - 2 Years	BSc, BSc(Hons) or higher
2nd Promotion	Senior Forensic Officer	$76 - $84,000	2 - 5 Years	BSc, BSc(Hons) or higher
3rd Promotion	Team Leader	$84 - $90,000	Approx. 10 Years	Leadership Training
4th Promotion	Deputy Manager	$90 - $98,000	10 + Years	Management Training
5th Promotion	Manager	$111 - $130,000	15 + Years	PhD or Management Qualifications

Typical Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Throughout the career of a forensic scientist there is an ongoing expectation to:

Achieve results
Show corporate and strategic awareness
Adapt to changes in the law enforcement environment
Cultivate productive working relationships
Liaise with investigators, clients agencies, legal personnel
Show personal drive and integrity
Continue ongoing development
Communicate with influence
Demonstrate technical knowledge and skills

Trainee	Successfully complete training programs Conduct analyses & examinations under supervision Write reports Conduct research Reports to assigned training officer or team leader
Forensic Officer	Conducts limited analyses & examinations without supervision Conducts complex analyses & examinations under supervision Writes reports & give evidence in court Conducts research Continues training programs Reports to team leader
Senior Forensic Officer	Conducts complex analyses & examinations without supervision Provides mentoring and training to team members Writes reports & give evidence in court Conducts research Participates in ongoing development programs Reports to team leader
Team Leader	Provides leadership and management to a team of experts Provides mentoring and training to team members Manages resources and assets Provides strategic leadership within the law enforcement landscape Liaises with other forensic teams Conducts complex analyses & examinations without supervision Writes reports & give evidence in court Conducts and supervise research Participates in ongoing development programs Reports to manager/deputy manager
Deputy Manager	Provides leadership to a small number of forensic teams Provides strategic leadership within the law enforcement landscape Coordinates multi-discipline response Supervises research Manages resources and assets Liaises with senior management Reports to manager
Manager	Provides strategic leadership to a large number of forensic teams Coordinates multi-discipline response Liaises with other agency and government leaders Reports to director
Director	Provides management to a whole forensic facility Provides strategic leadership to all forensic disciplines Provides strategic liaison with senior government & agency directors Reports to senior departmental managers

*The above table is to be used as a guide only.

Career Path Options

In forensics, most scientists work for federal, state, or local law enforcement and investigative agencies. It is likely that you will be working in a crime laboratory, although other options for employment include in the offices of lawyers, at universities, and in hospitals. A major employer in Australia is the Australian Federal Police.

You have the opportunity to enhance your career by specialising. You have the opportunity to specialise your expertise in areas like chemistry, biology, drugs and toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, botany, pharmacology, crime scene examination, firearms examination, fingerprint and document examination, odontology, blood splash pattern interpretation, and pathology.

You can choose to pursue wildlife forensics, and work in cases of wildlife poaching. There is also forensic psychiatry, which endeavours to understand why criminals commit particular crimes. In terms of career progression, you may have the opportunity to become a manager of a crime laboratory, or start up your own consulting business.

About the Author

National Institute of Forensic Science

The establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science was first advocated in a Committee of Inquiry Report to the Attorney-General of Australia in April 1974. The concept of an Institute was also recommended on several subsequent occasions, including by Sir Robert Mark in 1978.

In fact, the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) was established, as a National Common Police Service, under an Agreement signed by the Australasian Police Ministers' Council in 1991. NIFS commenced operations in February 1992. It is located in Melbourne, Victoria.