A Career As A Forensic Chemist

Biochemistry is the study of the organization and chemical reactions of material in live organisms. Biochemistry became a separate division when scientists mixed biology and different aspects of physical chemistry and started to study the processes of living things, such as energy transfers, hereditary organization, and much more. Biochemistry includes the sciences of neurochemistry, biophysical chemistry, and a very interesting subdivision: forensic chemistry.

Have you ever watched late night crime shows, such as CSI, NCIS, or even a mystery show, such as Sherlock? Forensic chemistry plays a vital role in these popular shows, and in real life. Forensic chemists deal with analyzing crime scenes or evidence found at the scene of a crime. The evidence they examine can range from DNA (blood, hair, other bodily fluids), fabrics and other clothing substances, figerprints, and almost anything found on or in a body. In January of 2015, a team of forensic chemists solved the mystery of a 700 year-old Italian warlord’s death! From blood, to mysterious powder, to a dead body, forensic chemists tackle it all.

It takes a lot of work to become a forensic chemist, but the payoff is usually worth it.

Almost all forensic chemists work in a federal lab, trying to analyze samples of substances such as DNA and match them with unknown specimens, usually to determine the suspect of a crime. Of course, some forensic chemists take up teaching or administrating jobs, but they still have fun teaching others about their crime solving process. Some forensic chemists are lucky enough to become promoted to crime director, and is in charge of managing other forensic chemists and writing case

reviews.

• Some forensic chemistry careers in North Carolina include: Criminalist DNA Analyst, in Charlotte; Scientific Director/Laboratory Director, in Asheville; Crime Laboratory Deputy Director, in Raleigh; Forensic Pathology Fellowship at East Carolina University, or even the NC State Crime Laboratory.

• NC State, UNC Wilmington, Fayetteville State University, Western Carolina University, and East Carolina University have degrees available in forensic chemistry.

• An undergraduate degree in forensic chemistry is mandatory for work in crime laboratories, with a lot of experience in biology, mathematics, and chemistry. More technical careers, such as lab managers and supervisors, might need a master’s degree. A doctorate is commonly suggested for promotion to jobs such as lab director, but it is mandatory for forensic research positions at universities.

• Studies reveal that the average forensic chemist makes $45,580 annually. Simple laboratory assistants make around $32,000 annually, lab technicians make around $45,000, crime lab analysts make almost $80,000, and those in lower positions, such as researchers at universities, make around $10,000 to $20,000 less depending on position level.

• While a career in forensic chemistry is difficult to find in Caldwell County, North Carolina, careers in its original field, biochemistry, are much more plentiful.

• For instance, a position in biochemstry can be found in Greer Labs, located in Lenoir, North Carolina. From previous information, we can infer from the undergraduate degree requirement in Chemistry or a related field (Biochemistry), and the job description of working in biological tests and analyzing data, that their offered career falls under that of a laboratory technicians, and once trained, would make an estimated $45,000 annually. Several other factors can influence this, but can safely assume the salary.

I hope you enjoyed learning about biochemistry, and even more in-depth, forensic chemistry. If you have any more questions about biochemistry, or forensic chemistry, please visit the resources I used below.