Frequently Asked Questions About A Career As A Forensic Chemist...
What training is needed? Forensic science degrees can be earned at the bachelor's or master's level. A bachelor of forensic science degree is the entry-level qualification. Supervisory positions and long-term, upward mobility may require graduate education. Forensic science schools blend biological, chemical, criminal, natural and other science instruction with hands-on laboratory time and field work.
Who are some employers in this field? DEA,CSI, FBI, Police forces,CIA Where can one find work in this field? DEA,CSI, FBI, Police forces,CIA What are some related occupations?
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical scientist
- Clinical biochemist
- Clinical molecular geneticist
- Microbiologist
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Toxicologist
What is the average 10 year salary? $34,865 - $81,625
What is the average starting salary? $27,683 - $52,471
What education is needed? -In high school
Take advanced science courses, including AP chemistry and biology
Join the debate team to master the art of public speaking.
Participate in sports to learn teamwork.
Do a science fair project that uses the techniques of forensic chemistry in a creative way.
Construct scale models to hone your fine motor skills and learn patience.
-In college
Major in chemistry
Some colleges offer degrees in forensic science. Make sure the program requires at least 24 semester hours of chemistry and math.
Take elective courses in law enforcement, criminal justice and crime scene processing
-After college
A master’s degree in forensic science is increasingly required to qualify for jobs in certain jurisdictions. Look for a program that emphasizes laboratory science and research, with coursework in crime scenes, physical evidence, ethics and quality assurance as well as interaction with working forensic laboratories.
Continuing education is required throughout the career...
What are the working conditions? Forensic chemists usually work in a laboratory setting, often as employees of local, state or federal government. They often stand or sit for long periods of time, perform repetitive tasks and use highly technical equipment.
They must follow strict procedures regarding the handling and documentation of evidence, as well as scientific protocols to ensure the quality and reliability of tests and equipment.
What is the nature of the work?
-Conducting various chemical experiments, analysis, testss and physical measurements
-Performing routine calculations such as determining concentration or the amount of a substance in a total sample based on analysis of a known portion of samples of narcotic and dangerous drugs; and
-Writing laboratory reports.
"As a Forensic Chemist, you will combat scientifically sophisticated illicit drug manufacturers. Unusual compounds are constantly produced and sold in the illicit drug market, and you will use your analytical skills and abilities to aid enforcement of federal regulations in reducing the availability of such drugs for abuse. Forensic Chemists analyze evidence for the presence of controlled substances using state-of-the-art instrumentation, provide expert testimony in courts of law, support DEA Special Agents in their investigations, conduct research involving new methods of drug analysis, develop intelligence data used to determine trends in local and international drug trafficking, and provide training to Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. When it comes to changing the future of illicit drug markets, you will be an integral part of exchanging information with international, federal, state and local academic research, and industrial organizations." ---Source: http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/forensic-sciences.shtml What are the responsibilities?
-Determine the identity of an unknown substance
-Conduct tests to measure concentrations of controlled substances
-Analyze compounds to determine if they match manufacturer specifications
-Produce strategic recommendations about materials and equipment used to produce new narcotics
-Retrieve, analyze and compare fingerprints from a crime scene