Careers in Forensic Science

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Forensic Science Education
Forensic Science Education
or
Finding a Forensic Job
Dr. Jason Linville University of Alabama at
Birmingham jglinvil_at_uab.edu
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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?
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Summary

• Jobs in Forensic Science

• Education in Forensic Science

• Finding a Job in Forensic Science

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Forensic Science
Dick Cheney
George W. Bush
American
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Forensic Science
Lets GO!
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Summary

• Jobs in Forensic Science

• Education in Forensic Science

• Finding a Job in Forensic Science

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Jobs in Forensic Science
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Many Areas

• Fingerprinting
• Firearms
• Documents
• Trace Evidence

• DNA
• Drugs
• Related Areas

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Jobs in Forensic Science

• What would I do?

What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• What would I do?

What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Two main areas of forensic science

Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Biology
Other areas (entomology, psychiatry, odontology,
etc.)
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Forensic Chemistry

• Drugs
• Trace
• Firearms

• Fingerprints
• Arson

What does the analyst do?
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Forensic Chemistry (inside the lab)

• Instrumental Analysis
• GC/MS, Infrared spectroscopy

• Microscopic Analysis
• Fibers, drugs, hair, trace

• Database Analysis
• Fingerprint, ballistic search

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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Forensic Chemistry (outside the lab)

• Crime Scene Work
• Not necessarily required

Court Testimony

• Scientific Meetings
• Presentations, continuing education

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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
• Detecting blood or semen stains

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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Forensic Biology (outside the lab)

• Crime Scene Work
• Not necessarily required

Court Testimony

• Scientific Meetings
• Presentations, continuing education

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• What would I do?

What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
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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
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• What would I do?

What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Where would I work?

1. State Agency

• State Police
• State Bureau of Investigation
• County or City Crime Labs

2. Federal Agencies

• FBI
• DEA

• ATF
• Armed Forces

• Secret Service
• U.S. Postal Service

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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Where would I work?

3. Private Labs

• Private DNA Labs
• Paternity Labs
• Drug Analysis

4. Non Forensic Laboratories

• Analytical Chemistry
• Research Labs

• Pursue an advanced degree

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Jobs in Forensic Science

• What would I do?

What are the advancement opportunities?
Where would I work?
How much money would I make?
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Money?

• Marry a rich person

• Entry Level 30,000 40,000

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Education in Forensic Science
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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.
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Education in Forensic Science

• Undergraduate Education

• Whats my major?

• Myth Forensic Science is half science
  and half criminal justice

Fact Forensic Science is mostly science
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Education in Forensic Science

• Undergraduate Education

Whats 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.
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Education in Forensic Science

• Undergraduate Programs

• University of New Haven
• West Virginia University
• Florida International University
• Ohio University

Complete List American Academy of Forensic
Sciences www.aafs.org
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(No Transcript)
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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

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Education in Forensic Science

• Graduate Programs

• 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
40
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.
41
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
[phone] Ext 4711. For any inquiries or
questions regarding the application process or
these positions, please email osp.forensics_at_state.
or.us.
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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 [phone] bill.dean_at_hamilton-
co.org www.hamilton-co.org/coroner
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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_at_orchid.com.
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Jobs in Forensic Science

• Note about Crime Scene Work

• 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.
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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
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Finding a Job in Forensic Science
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Finding a Job in Forensic Science

• Thank you, Internet.

• American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)

www.aafs.org

• Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD)

www.ascld.org

• State or Federal Web Pages

• Word of Mouth (through University)

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Finding a Job in Forensic Science

• Interview Process

• Extensive Background Check
• Past Landlords
• Past Employers

• Polygraph

• Relatively Strict on Past Drug Use

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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.
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Web Links

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences -
  www.aafs.org
• American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
  www.ascld.org
• List of Graduate Programs http//www.gradschools.c
  om/listings/all/forensic.html
• FSU Professor Opinion http//www.criminology.fsu.e
  du/faculty/nute/FScareers.html