Forensic science expert

A career as a forensic science expert is for people who have a general interest in human anatomy and forensics studies. They must be prepared to visit scenes of both civil and criminal misconduct with an open mind.
This career is for people with excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to notice even the tiniest details. A forensic scientist or a forensic science expert must be skilled and have an interest in interpreting scientific evidence and data.

The job of forensic scientists is to gather physical evidence from scenes where incidences of civil or criminal misconduct have occurred. Once this information has been collected, the forensic scientific expert must analyze the information in context of the misconduct that occurred.

Most forensic scientists work for governmental law enforcement agencies and investigation departments. Some may wish to do more work with collecting data, rather than analyzing it, while others might choose the alternative path. However, it must be noted that a forensic scientist cannot avoid either aspect of the job, but can focus on one in a larger organizational corporation.

Work may include aspects such as testing cloth materials for drug evidence, or examining finger prints on weaponry. Forensic studies draw upon a wide variety of techniques that a forensic science expert must be able to draw upon.

Their reports are regularly called for in both civil and criminal courts, and they are often required to provide their findings to lawyers, juries as well as judges in the honorable courts. Forensic scientists often work alongside medical anthropologists as well as medical examiners.


One must have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as chemistry, biology, physics or molecular biology. At entry level, this level of qualification is normally sufficient, but if one wishes to get ahead, a master’s degree in one of those fields is necessary.

Specialization may occur in various areas, including geology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, metallurgy, pharmacology, crime scene examination, botany, firearms examination, fingerprint identification etc.
Most laboratories provide training prior to jobs.

According to statistics released by the US Department of Labor, forensic scientists, on average, earn US$25.75 per hour and annually, they may earn a salary around US$52,000. However, it is important to note that earnings may vary considerably depending on your level of training and education, and your area of specialization and location.
Medical experts who work in the field of forensics earn up to US$200,000 per annum, whereas the entry level pay could be as low as $30,000. People with PhDs are preferred to those who have master’s degrees, who are preferred to those who have bachelor’s degrees.

Most forensic science experts work for government agencies or big detective agencies so they are given benefits including pensions plans, medical or health insurance and paid sick absences.

The salary varies for state forensics departments as per government pay scales. Those doing private practice initially start by earning Rs6,000 a month. With experience, professionals earn Rs50,000 to Rs60,000 a month depending on the case

On an average day, a

forensic science expert

may be required to do a wide variety of tasks. In terms of collecting scientific data, he/she would have to test, examine and analyze tissues, chemicals, ballistic evidence and physical materials, employing techniques such as measurements and recordings.

Whatever information he/she finds in the lab must be interpreted and the evidence must be classified and sorted into useful and useless information. A

forensic science expert

must handle all information with utmost care as it may be used to solve legal cases.

An average day may involve reconstructing a crime scene, preparing reports and recollections of findings. Moreover, a forensics expert may be called upon in court to testify his/her findings.

While forensic science experts spend most days inside laboratories, they may be required to visit dangerous crime scenes. They generally work fixed hours but may be called upon for work at odd hours in the case of emergencies.

There are some jobs out there that allow workers to make a positive difference to the world, and a forensic scientist is one of them. The job comes with a lot of respect from the general public, and you often help find criminals, prove that the guilty are guilty, and that the innocent are innocent.

This job comes with several fringe benefits, including paid vacations, pensions after retirement and regular bonuses. There is also a general level of job security once a forensic expert gains experience.

Working as a forensic scientific expert can be a dangerous job. In many countries, forensic scientific experts have been threatened, or even killed because of their involvement in cases against notorious, powerful criminals.
Moreover, forensic scientific experts often have to work in dangerous locations such as crime scenes. They are also often witnesses to unpleasant sights such as corpses and victims of crimes. The job is not nearly as glamorous as presented in many television shows including Bones and CSI Miami!

The potential job outlook is fantastic for forensic scientific experts. There is an increasing demand all over the world for people in this profession. There is a lack of fully trained experts in this field, and the demand is expected to continuously According to CNN Money, the field of forensic science is the sixth fastest growing career path in the world.

The level of competition in the field is likely to remain quite low due to excessive demand and a limited supply. However, the highest paying jobs in the most reputable organizations go to those who are most qualified.

There is increased focus on techniques and training that forensic scientists can acquire, and those who acquire the highest levels of training from the most renowned reputation. While there might not be competition for base level jobs, there is considerable competition for top posts within the Industry all over the world.

There is no place in the world that does not require forensic scientists. Demand is normally directly proportional to the crime rate in a particular area. In India, the major urban centers tend to have higher demand for forensic scientists. Mumbai has the highest number of employed forensic technicians in the country.

You need to have a science background. Opt for science subjects, especially with chemistry, in Class 12. After graduation, you can go for one-year diploma courses in forensic science and criminology. You can also pursue a master’s programme in forensic science and later opt for research.