How to Become a Forensic Serologist

Forensic serology is the science of extracting DNA evidence from bodily fluids.

A lot of evidence can be drawn from the blood found at a crime scene. The blood spatter identifies the direction of a blow and even what type of weapon was used, and a chemical analysis of the blood can determine whether it belonged to the victim or suspect. The latter task is handled by a forensic serologist, who extracts DNA evidence from bodily fluids connected with a crime, including blood, semen and saliva. This identifies victims and possible suspects and can be the cornerstone of a criminal conviction. The path to becoming a serologist begins with a solid education.

Instructions

1. Obtain a bachelor of science degree. A survey by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors showed that forensic lab directors expect their serologists to have degrees in chemistry, followed by biology and forensic science. There are no exceptions to a chemistry background, but diversity in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and even statistics polish a resume. A smaller number of serologists have bachelor of arts degrees; a master's or doctorate degree can wait until you've advanced in your serology career.

2. Get experience while in school. Even if it's just an internship at a crime lab or a low-paying job at a blood bank or medical examiner's office, exposure to the medical and forensics field can give you an edge over the competition.

3. Apply for jobs. Serologists are hired by law enforcement agencies on the local and state level, medical examiners and private laboratories. Smaller agencies might require you to know more than one discipline, so study up on other forensic skills such as blood spatter analysis and forensic photography. Learn how to identify toxins and drugs in the blood.

4. Accept a position as a forensic serologist.

References

• The College of New Jersey: Careers in Forensic Science
• Austin Peay State University: Forensic Serology