r/forensics

I graduated in the spring of 2025 with my Bachelor's and I'm currently earning my Masters. B.S. In Forensic Science (with a concentration in biology) and M.S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. With the job market kind of being in the toilet rn, I'm worried that I won't be able to score a job within the forensics field after I earn my masters.

During undergrad I did a small research project that contributed to a larger project, which was selectedfor funding by the Forensic Sciences Foundation Research Grant Program for years 2024-2026. I was a volunteer in a molecular biology lab for a short time, and now im doing a summer internship at a genetics lab.

I'm slightly worried that what I've done won't be applicable to the forensics field/ won't look good on my resume.

I have an interest in almost every field within forensics, except maybe firearms lol. I'm just wondering if there's any certificate / types of internships that could make me stand out. This might just be a bunch of word vomit, but I'm worried about my future 😔.

Hello, I started as an RCA and I've found some degreed positions I want to aim for while working at USPS. I have Biochemistry/Psych and applied for Forensic Latent Print Analyst but was rejected for not having any crime scene experience (I think, it's the only box I didn't check).

I would appreciate hearing how you transitioned and received the proper training to apply or where I would start?

Also would love hearing any advice from other degreed jobs at the post office?

Thank you!

Can some one explain what this means

“Comments:
Oral Alcohol (Ethanol) > 0.500 g/dl by GC. Elevated Alcohol (Ethanol) suggests possible adulteration or contamination of the oral cavity with a
product containing ethanol”

Im in my second semester of my biology master and working my way up for a masters degree in toxicology, to work in the field of forensic toxicology.

As a toxicologist, i wouldnt be part of autopsies, which is why im considering becoming an autopsy assistant instead.

The difference in salary bothers me though. And both are in my field of interests. I would love to work in both fields.

Would a masters degree in toxicology, narrow my chances of maybe starting training as an autopsy assistant?

Is there any way to connect both of these fields or are they too seperate?

Edit: im doing a bachelor, not a master in Biology

So I’m a high school student and I’m trying to decide what I want to study in university and forensic based jobs looks pretty interesting for me. I wonder are there any forensic jobs with both field and lab work at the same time. And also I would appreciate it if any forensic scientists or people who have any knowledge about this share their experiences. Thanks for all the answers!

My partner was falsely accused of a sexual assault against a child by my estranged family (he has never been alone with said child) and the detective had said the forensic result came back negative, but he later said it technically came back inconclusive. Can someone help us understand how this can be the case? And if there is other male dna as suggested by the detective why this is not being further looked into? And what kinds of forensics will they be sending off as they’ve just sent a second round but because the accusation was touching I’m not sure what else it could consist of? UK. Thank you - sorry if this isn’t allowed, I wasn’t sure from looking at rules. Thanks!

I've just finished my GCSEs and I am considering doing: biology, chemistry and English literature for A-levels, in order to be a forensic scientist/crime scene investigator. I've been struggling with university choices as I know different uni's need certain a-levels. Also I went online and researched a bit about forensic job opportunities and I've seen people saying it's hard to get a job in the forensic field. The career I'm choosing is mainly for passion but also I do need to consider money. I would be really grateful if anyone could help!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working on a crime novel and would like to make one part of the story as realistic as possible.

The basic premise is that a body ends up on the flat rooftop of a high-rise apartment building in northern Germany. The person dies sometime in October and remains undiscovered until the following summer (around July), when the protagonist climbs onto the roof out of curiosity and finds the remains.

I’m wondering how realistic this scenario would be from a forensic point of view.

Some specific questions:

How would decomposition likely progress in this situation?

The body would be exposed to rain, wind, snow, frost, birds, and later summer heat. Would the remains be more likely to be skeletonized, partially mummified, or something in between after about 8–9 months?

Would there still be a noticeable odor by the time the body is discovered?

How plausible is it that residents in the building would not notice anything unusual during that time?
Are there particular details that would make this scenario more or less realistic?

The roof is not regularly accessed and is only reachable via a resident’s balcony and a maintenance hatch elsewhere in the building.

I’d appreciate any insights, corrections, or suggestions. My goal is not to sensationalize anything but to write the forensic aspects as accurately as possible.

Thank you!

I was wondering what the life style is like for a person who’s working as a forensic scientist. I guess like crime scene collector and things like that. How are your shifts, how was the beginning of starting the job? Do you have time to do other things in life like be with family/friends or do once in a while hangouts, or how it took affect into your life. I want to take this path but I’m afraid if I won’t be able to have any “free time” once in a while. Or I’m also wondering how hard it is to be in that field with all the stuff you have to witness. I’m a little confused still on the different departments you could do or basically the whole process.
Oh and last question, is the paying worth it or should I take my study to be in the lab instead? I am currently thinking of majoring in biology but I’m not sure if that’s a good start.

Pls pls help me on figuring this out so I’m able to understand the job itself😢

I have some documents that I printed on a laser printer but some of the text is too light to see. Is there any way to get this lightened text to reveal itself? These are waivers that I got people to sign and expiry date tags that I photocopied to the waivers that didn't show up properly. Most of the tags did, but the dates that were lighter in color didn't show up. They usually do, but I guess my printer was low on toner and I didn't realize till it was too late