Explore career options in forensic science
Here you can find information find information on career outcomes in forensic science.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Graduates with a degree in forensic science are presented with a myriad of career options and pathways that span across crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, government bodies, the private sector, and academia. Graduates can embark on roles such as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, and forensic chemists, where their expertise in analysing evidence plays a crucial role in solving crimes. Current trends highlight the growing importance of digital forensics and cybersecurity, reflecting the increasing prevalence of cybercrime.
The integration of advanced technologies, such as DNA profiling and biometric analysis, has expanded opportunities for forensic science professionals beyond traditional criminal investigations. Forensic chemistry can also be applied in fields like environmental forensics to address pollution issues, food and drug analysis to ensure product safety, and toxicology to study the effects of chemicals on living organisms, making this an exciting and versatile degree with broad applications
Career fields
- Forensic science and crime laboratories
- Law enforcement and legal services
- Laboratory operations
- Environment and safety
- Government and non-profit organisations
- Medical and health services
- Forensic chemistry/toxicology
- Biomedical science
- Academia and research
- Quality control systems
- Project management
- Specialised fields: entomologist/artist/archaeologist/
linguist/analyst/radiochemistry
Employment roles
- Forensic laboratory technician
- Forensic chemist
- Crime scene technician
- Trace evidence analyst
- Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Environmental forensic scientist
- Food and drug analyst
- Quality control chemist
- Laboratory demonstrator
- Toxicology laboratory assistant
- Pathology laboratory assistant
- Digital forensics technician
- Forensic data analyst assistant
- Biometric data analyst
- Molecular biologist
Occupation snapshot
Employed
1,000
Weekly earnings
$1,794
Future growth
Moderate
Full-time share
70%
This data is based on the occupation profile for forensic scientists retrieved from the website August 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies and career resources can be found in a wide range of sources:
- (formerly Grad 色情网站)
Notable alumnus: Kirsty Wright
Dr. Kirsty Wright is an internationally renowned DNA profiling expert, a senior lecturer in Forensic Biology at Griffith University, and a Flight Lieutenant with the Royal 色情网站n Air Force. She played a pivotal role in identifying over 5,000 victims of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand and assists the Unrecovered War Casualties-Army Unit in identifying missing 色情网站n soldiers from past conflicts. Additionally, she developed identification software for Interpol and is the Program Convenor of the Master of Forensic Science degree for the Queensland Police Service, reflecting her commitment to both her field and her alma mater.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and is committed to advancing knowledge, innovation, and practices that promote holistic health and well-being and conserve terrestrial biodiversity while fostering partnerships for the goals.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Similar career options
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.