Science-related career report: Forensic Analyst

 Science-related career report: Forensic Analyst 

How is it related to organic chemistry? 

• A forensic analyst typically has an educational background in the science field and is trained in organic chemistry. This allows forensic analysts to conduct and analyze evidence such as blood and body samples to identify DNA and run screenings in which organic chemistry is used.

Job duties:

• A forensic analyst has several duties depending on the related criminal investigation being conducted, as well as whether or not they generalize in the field or are specialized in specific areas and techniques. A forensic analyst is a scientist who typically works alongside criminal investigations and helps in uncovering criminal acts through the use of science. Forensic analysts typically work in crime labs where they conduct tests and examine evidence to help identify key elements, suspects and data to help solve criminal investigations. The most typical job duties of a forensic analyst include;

• Examining and analyzing crime scene evidence.

• Visiting crime scenes and collecting field tests and data.

• Testifying during trials and court cases.

• Preparing detailed reports on findings and graphing data.

• Typically forensic analysts spend most of their time working in a laboratory where they conduct more common job duties such as:

• Performing and analyzing chemical and biological analyses 

• Making links between criminal suspects and biological data collected and its results

• Consulting with other specialized fields such as toxicology and working together to analyze data and come to conclusions

Skillsets:

• All forensic analysts must be successful in displaying the needed qualifying skill sets to obtain the job. It is important to have such skill sets because this will allow for criminal investigations to proceed smoothly and properly without any mistakes that can lead to cases and trials being dismissed or suspects being wrongly prosecuted. The skill sets required to become a forensic analyst include;

• Demonstrates knowledge on proper laboratory procedures which include handling of evidence, cleaning of equipment, proper use of equipment to examine evidence etc.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Efficiency and time management 

• Analytical skills

• Confidentially 

• Carefulness 

• Strong research skills

Personality/Aptitude requirements:

• To be a successful forensic analyst it’s important to have a personality and aptitude that is capable of fulfilling the duties of the job. Some key personality traits that contribute to being successful as a forensic analyst include:

• Strong-willed, oftentimes a forensic analyst is conducting experiments and collecting data from crime scenes in which can be gruesome and difficult to research on. Therefore it is important that a forensic analyst stays mentally strong and is not overly bothered by the crime scene and the events that occurred leading up to the event. This personality trait is important as it will allow for experiments and data to be conducted without any emotions getting in the way which can hinder the efficiency of data collection in a laboratory.

• Hardworking, a forensic analyst must be hard working to ensure that all experiments and data is collected promptly to proceed faster with criminal investigations.

• Observant, a forensic analyst must be observant when at a crime scene or in the laboratory or when displaying data. It is crucial because this will allow for all data and results to be accurate for the investigation to proceed smoothly without any errors and in the event of a court hearing or trial, the data displayed on the reports are accurate and can be easily understood by members of the juror.

• Critical thinker, one very important qualification for becoming a forensic analyst is that they can conclude with the data in front of them. One must have the personality and attitude of a critical thinker to connect data to potential suspects.

Potential Employers:

• A forensic analyst can work for a variety of people or organizations. These include but are not limited to local municipalities, provincial governments, law-enforcement agencies, crime labs, coroners offices, hospitals etc.

Education Requirements:

• Depending on where one lives, there are different requirements needed for becoming a forensic analyst. Typically, the minimum requirement to be considered during the hiring process is a bachelor's degree in which it is advised that one has majored in a science field such as chemistry, physics or biology. It’s also important that forensic analysts have an educational background relating to verbal and written communication that enhances one's skills, as it is vital for a forensic analyst to convey and easily explain findings to members of the police force, jurors and others who do not have a background relating to the sciences fields.  

The program required to be qualified:

• It is often required that a forensic analyst must at least have a four-year bachelor of science degree or a master's degree in a science field.

Salary Range:

• The salary is different for many forensic analysts depending on where they work and whether or not they are specialized in specific fields. Although a typical salary for a forensic analyst starts from $50,000-$90,000 a year and can even go up to $100,000 a year depending on what position you’re in within the department.