Forensic science is at the intersection of law and science. Forensic science professionals play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They are responsible for analyzing evidence, which may identify a suspect, link a suspect to the crime, identify a victim and determine how a victim died.
If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep communities safe, you might consider becoming a forensic science technician who specializes in genetics. Forensic science technicians are responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence, ranging from bodily fluids to fingerprints to firearms to drugs. These professionals perform biological, chemical and microscopic examinations on evidence to determine whether a suspect can be tied to criminal activity.
These experts typically remain in the lab and do not generally venture out to crime scenes to collect evidence. At larger crime labs in major metropolitan areas, a forensic science technician may work exclusively with one subfield, such as DNA analysis. In contrast, at smaller crime labs, these professionals might need to wear multiple hats.
A graduate degree isn’t necessary for pursuing an entry-level position as a forensic science technician, although some of these professionals may choose to earn one. Newly hired professionals usually go through a period of on-the-job training. They may also opt to work toward a voluntary certification after gaining some work experience.