Forensic Science Lab Jobs
Forensic science is the umbrella term for a number of different fields that assist law enforcement with legal cases. Forensic scientists generally work in teams, and each team member has his/her own specialty. The forensic science lab will involve everyone from the forensic odontologist to the pathologist to the toxicologist. The main goal of the forensic science team is to examine and then process the evidence that has been collected by police officers. All forensic lab technicians make between $39,000 and $78,000 per year.
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Forensic Pathologist
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The forensic pathologist will study a body to determine what caused a person to die, and this is done generally via autopsies of the body. The goal of the examination is to determine whether or not the person died of natural causes or of a suspicious cause. Suspicious causes can include potential homicide, suicide and overdoses. Forensic pathologists will also check to see if someone died of a virus or bacteria that could cause a local or national health threat. Some forensic pathologists will also be brought in if the local physician cannot or will not fill out the death certificate. Forensic pathologists will also act as expert witnesses in both criminal and legal cases if necessary.
Forensic Odontologist
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The forensic odontologist is responsible for examining anything having to do with the teeth, and this can include bite marks, dental records or examination of the remains. When a forensic odontologist examines bite marks, they are generally trying to figure out whether or not the bite was made by a human or animal, and whether or not the bite marks on a victim matches a suspect. Another major responsibility of the forensic odontologist is using the skeletal remains of a victim to try and identify the victim. Dental remains will help fix the age of the victim. Forensic odontologist will be called into court for both civil and criminal cases, and they must present their findings in court.
Forensic Toxicologist
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The forensic toxicologist is responsible for testing samples of tissue and other bodily fluids to determine whether or not chemicals or drugs are present in the sample. Forensic toxicologists will look for things like prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol, poison, carbon monoxide or even metals. Forensic toxicologists may be called on to draw conclusions on what killed a person or animal based on the evidence. They may also be called on to present this information in both civil and criminal cases. Forensic toxicologists use a lot of sensitive equipment and even chemical reagents in their work.
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