Forensic Science Technician

Aliases: Forensic Expert

Industry/Sector(s): Life Sciences

JOB DESCRIPTION ¹

The tasks a Forensic Science Technician is expected to perform include:

Collecting, identifying, classifying and analysing physical evidence related to criminal investigations
Performing tests on weapons or substances such as fibre, hair and tissue to determine significance to investigation
Testifying as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques
Serving as specialist in area of expertise such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting or biochemistry, etc.
Analysing and classifying biological fluids using DNA typing or serological techniques
Analysing gunshot residue and bullet paths in order to determine how shootings occurred
Analysing handwritten and machine-produced textual evidence to decipher altered or obliterated text or to determine authorship, age and/or source
Collecting evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity
Collecting impressions of dust from surfaces in order to obtain and identify fingerprints
Conferring with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation
Determining types of bullets used in shooting and if fired from a specific weapon
Examining physical evidence such as hair, fibre, wood or soil residues in order to obtain information about its source and composition

WORK ENVIRONMENT ^{1, 4}

It is a field job

Need not handle a team

Local travelling is necessary

Part-time work and contractual jobs are available in some cities

Work from home option is not available

Working hours

Organizations usually work for 6 days a week and 8/10 hours everyday. This may vary from organization to organization
Shift system may be available
Overtime may be involved

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

This may vary from organization to organization

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ³

Preferably, B.Sc in Forensic Science

KEY COMPETENCIES ¹

Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure and properties of substances
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and the democratic political process
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, etc.
Proficient in determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES ¹

Good communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Research and problem-solving skills
Quality conscious

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES

Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science
Anna University
Central Forensic Science Laboratory
Central Forensic Laboratory

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS

SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH ³

Trainee → Forensic Science Technician → Forensic Science Head

The progression is indicative

EXPECTED EARNINGS ⁴

For new entrants – Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 per month

These figures are indicative and subject to change

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE ⁴

Some organizations hire new entrants too

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS ⁴

Universities
Museums
Research institutes
Forensic departments in various organizations

KEYWORDS

Forensic Expert

OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	3119.0200	Forensic Science Technician
ISCO 2008	3119	Physical and Engineering Science Technicians, n.e.c
NIC 2008	72100	Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
QP Reference	Not available	Not available
NSQF	Not available	Not available

REFERENCES

1	National Classification of Occupations Division 3
2	http://www.nsdcindia.org/
3	https://www.infosys.com/industries/life-sciences
4	http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Life-Sciences-Health-Care/gx-lshc-2015-life-sciences-report-india.pdf
5	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-3.pdf
6	https://targetstudy.com/courses/forensic-science-courses.htm
7	http://socialjustice.nic.in/

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