Forensic scientist

Are you a science lover who enjoys solving mysteries? Then a career as a forensic scientist could be perfect for you.

In this role, you'll uphold the law by finding evidence that links suspects to a crime scene. Forensic scientists gather and analyse evidence from a variety of sources – including blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibres, glass fragments and tyre marks.

You'll attend crime scenes, which may be unpleasant, and examine them to collect potential evidence. It's vital you analyse all traces of physical evidence and prepare them for use in court cases.

This is a high-pressure job, with urgent deadlines and a need to justify your findings. So, do you have what it takes to pull on that white lab coat and solve crimes?

Your tasks might include:

• identifying blood groups and doing DNA profiling

• analysing fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons

• examining splash patterns, the distribution of particles, handwriting, signatures, ink and paper

• providing expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics

• recovering data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment

• giving impartial scientific evidence in court

• Scottish Police Authority (Forensic Services) – learn about forensic services

• The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences – find out about the professional body of forensic science