Forensic+Lab+Analyst

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=Job Description:=

Forensic laboratory analysts examine physical evidence to:
 * determine its significance for the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses or suspected offenses
 * determine if it can identify or exclude a suspect, or impact the direction of an investigation
 * test a hypothesis proposed by an investigator, Crown attorney or defence counsel
 * assist in coroners' investigations and other matters of public safety.

Analysts in the **chemistry** section recover non-biological trace evidence in clothing or samples from crime scenes to identify them or compare them to other materials.

Forensic laboratory analysts are employed as scientists or technologists. In general, **scientists** in all sections: Forensic laboratory analysts often work in teams or perform specific parts of an analysis before passing a case to another analyst. Overtime or shift work may be required when there are high volumes of work. Specialists frequently travel to testify in criminal proceedings and other hearings.
 * plan and supervise experiments, tests and analyses
 * interpret experimental or analytical results
 * provide advice and expertise to others in the law enforcement field
 * prepare written reports and update databases
 * develop new technologies and validate new techniques
 * train staff members and external clients
 * testify in criminal court cases about the significance of physical evidence.

=Personality Characters:=

Forensic laboratory analysts need the following characteristics:
 * good character and no criminal record
 * excellent communication skills including the ability to provide courtroom testimony in plain language and undergo cross-examination
 * time management and organizational skills
 * analytical ability and problem solving skills
 * the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

They should enjoy using tools, instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information and solving problems, and supervising the work of others.

=Working Conditions:= You generally work indoors with relatively stable work hours and relatively clean samples, but the cases are often quite repetitive and routine. The microanalysis section probably provides the most variet but currently it is being phased out or scaled down in most crime labratories. Forensic scientists also appear regularly in criminal and civil proceedings and coroner's inquests to give opinion evidence relating to forensic examinations. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, perfoming test on weapons or on substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation. There are no dangers to your health if the procedures are followed, but the biggest complaint employees make is having to go to all of the court hearings when they are all the same. =Education Requirements:= The minimum academic requirement for **scientists** in most of the discipline areas is a four year degree in physical, life or forensic sciences. Specific degree and course requirements vary depending on the employer and type of work. For example, some positions require a degree in a chemical or physical science, or mechanical engineering. Other positions require much more specific qualifications (for example, an honours Bachelor of Science degree in a field such as forensic science, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or population genetics and statistics).

Four year bachelor's degree programs in physical and life sciences are offered by universities and colleges throughout Alberta. Admission requirements vary but generally include a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1 and four other approved or required subjects (for example, Pure Math 30, Chemistry 30, Biology 30, Physics 30, Math 31).

The minimum academic requirement for **technologists** is a post-secondary diploma or degree in physical, life or forensic sciences. Some positions require a three year diploma or specific courses. 

=Places of Employment:=

Forensic laboratory analysts are employed by: In Alberta, the Medical Examiner's Office is responsible for performing autopsies and does toxicological work in cases where no foul play is suspected. The RCMP does all other forensic laboratory work. Advancement usually takes the form of pay increases and increased responsibility for one or more types of analysis. Experienced forensic laboratory analysts may be promoted to supervisory positions. There are more of these jobs in the big cities because many places are looking for more people to work for them is there is more crime. The closest place around where you would find that would be in Pittsburgh. CRIME LAB ANALYSTS work for: =Job Outlook:=
 * the RCMP (in Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Regina, Vancouver and Winnipeg)
 * Canada Revenue Agency (Ottawa)
 * the provincial governments of Ontario (Toronto and Sault St. Marie) and Quebec (Montreal)
 * a small number of private forensic laboratories.
 * State Labs
 * the FBI
 * the Secret Service
 * the armed forces

The employment outlook for this occupation is stable but there are only a few hundred positions in all of Canada. Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next five to ten years. Job opportunities in this field are very competitive, but job growth is projected to grow in this sector opening up opportunities for entry-level crime lab analysts.

=Salary Information:=

Salaries for laboratory analysts range from **$65,000** **to $90,000 a year (2008 estimate).** =Bibliography:=
 * Starting salaries for a crime lab analyst will vary depending on geographic location, size of department and related factors. Our research found that average annual starting salaries in the United States are in the $28,000 to $45,000 range. Crime lab analysts with a few years experience are earning more, around the $42,000 to $55,000 range and those with many years experience can earn upwards of $70,000 a year. Crime lab supervisors will earn more.

Advice about a Career in Forensic Science." __Research Brought To Life : Florida State University College of Criminology & Criminal Justice__. 07 Apr. 2009 .

__Canadian Society of Forensic Science__. 07 Apr. 2009 . "Crime Laboratory Analyst | Find Career Description and Educational Requirements."

__Criminal Justice Schools | Explore Criminal Justice Programs and Career Paths__. 22 Apr. 2009 [].

"Fort Hays State University." __Fort Hays State University__. 11 Apr. 2009 [].

"OCCinfo - Forensic Laboratory Analyst." __ALIS - Home__. 31 Mar. 2009 [].

"Science Technicians." __U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics__. 11 Apr. 2009 [].