Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Forensic Scientist- from: Youtube Search
- Forensic Consultant- from: iCould [UK] Video
- Forensic Science Technician- from: YouTube Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Working Life
The Forensic Science Laboratory is divided into three sections:
Biology:
This section deals largely with crimes against the person, examining hairs, fibres, blood and other body fluids in cases such as assault, murder and sexual assault.
Chemistry and Drugs/Toxicology:
The Chemistry section deals mainly with crimes against property, examining materials such as fingerprints, paint, glass, fire debris, shoeprints, hair, fibres, soil and explosives.
Drugs/Toxicology:
In the Drugs section, suspected drugs of abuse seised by the Gardai are analysed to see if they are controlled substances. Items that might have come into contact with drugs such as weighing scales, knives to cut up a drug like cannabis resin, or hypodermic syringes used to inject drugs are examined for traces of controlled drugs.
The Forensic scientist takes full responsibility for the scientific work required in a criminal case. This involves analytical laboratory work using quite a wide range of instrumental techniques. The scientist then writes a report on the results for the Gardai and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The scientist would frequently present the work orally to a court and defend that work under legal cross-examination. Some time could also be spent attending at crime scenes and lecturing to Gardai on the work of the laboratory.
This course choice should not be based on the TV programme C.S.I. (Crime Scene Investigation) It has been widely emphasised that C.S.I. portrays a fictionalised view of this profession. Forensic scientists spend a lot more time in the laboratory carrying out experiments than working in the field.
| A new information leaflet from Forensic Science Ireland (2017) is aimed at secondary school students who have an interest in a future career in forensic science. It provides a general introduction to forensic science, an overview of the work done in Forensic Science Ireland, and recommendations on the path of study for budding forensic scientists. Download here. |
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Further Information
- Forensic Psychologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Forensic Scientist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Forensic scientist- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Forensic Scientist
As a forensic scientist, you must be accurate, methodical and thorough in your investigations. Patience, attention to detail and problem solving skills are very important.
Although you will spend large amounts of time routine testing in laboratories, you must also be prepared to visit disturbing murder scenes, or to identify the drug taken in a fatal overdose.
Good communication skills are very important. In court, you need to be able to explain your findings clearly to lawyers, jurors and the public. You may also be cross-examined.
A Forensic Scientist has a large responsibility for examining substances carefully and accurately and presenting detailed results clearly. They must keep up to date with technical developments.
Interests - Forensic Scientist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Forensic Scientist
To be a Forensic Scientist, the minimum academic qualification is an honours degree (level 8) in an area such as chemistry, analytical science or an appropriate biological subject such as biochemistry, biology or molecular biology, or an equivalent qualification. For the post of Forensic Analyst, the minimum academic qualification is a level 7 qualification in an appropriate science subject.
Most forensic scientists will also have a postgraduate qualification in forensic science, and may also have done further study in a forensic-related subject such as genetics ore advanced analytical methods for example.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: laboratory assistant.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: applied science, lab techniques.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: chemistry, analytical science, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: forensic computing, cybercrime investigation, criminology.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Forensic Science Ireland In Ireland, all staff employed at the Forensic Science Laboratory are civil servants, therefore, any vacancy must be advertised in the media and recruitment is by competitive interview. The Public Appointments Service, places the advertisements and organises the recruitment process.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Forensic Scientist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €90k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Pas/ CPL/ Morgan McKinley
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Forensic Scientist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.
In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.
This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.
Useful Contacts - Forensic Scientist
-
Forensic Science Ireland (Eolaíocht Fhóiréinseach Éireann)
-
Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
-
Department of Justice - State Pathologists Office
- Office of the State Pathologist (OSP), Griffith Avenue, Whitehall, Dublin 9
- (01) 633 1571
- Click Here
