Forensic Scientist Resume Guidance

Forensic scientists assist law enforcement professionals in identifying and analyzing criminal evidence. This career requires many skills, like detail orientation, problem-solving, and deductive reasoning.18 Aug 2024

---

1. Personal Information

Include your name, phone number, email, and city/state. Optionally, add a LinkedIn profile or a link to a professional portfolio, if relevant.

---

2. Resume Objective or Summary

Craft a concise statement summarizing your expertise, skills, and goals. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

Example:
Meticulous and results-driven forensic scientist with 5+ years of experience analyzing physical evidence in criminal investigations. Proficient in laboratory techniques, evidence preservation, and data analysis. Dedicated to supporting justice through accurate, detailed forensic reporting and expert testimony.

---

3. Skills Section

Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to forensic science, such as:

• Evidence collection and preservation
• DNA analysis and profiling
• Fingerprint analysis
• Toxicology testing
• Criminal investigations
• Laboratory techniques (GC-MS, FTIR, PCR, etc.)
• Report writing and documentation
• Courtroom testimony
• Problem-solving and attention to detail

---

4. Work Experience

List positions in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and technical responsibilities, using quantifiable results where possible.

Example:
Forensic Scientist
State Crime Lab, Austin, TX
June 2019 – Present

• Conducted DNA analysis and toxicological testing on biological samples for over 150 criminal cases annually.
• Authored detailed forensic reports used in legal proceedings, achieving a 95% accuracy rate in court-presented findings.
• Provided expert testimony in 25+ criminal trials, effectively explaining complex scientific processes to juries.
• Ensured adherence to chain-of-custody protocols, reducing evidence contamination risks by 30%.

Forensic Lab Technician
City Police Department, Denver, CO
August 2016 – May 2019

• Processed and analyzed trace evidence, including fibers, hair, and residues, for ongoing investigations.
• Supported crime scene teams by collecting and documenting physical evidence in compliance with legal standards.
• Implemented quality control procedures, increasing lab efficiency by 20%.

---

5. Education

Include your degree(s), school(s), and graduation dates. Highlight relevant coursework, especially if you’re an entry-level candidate.

Example:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
University of New Haven, New Haven, CT
Graduated: May 2019

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2016

---

6. Certifications

List certifications and training relevant to forensic science, such as:

• Certified Forensic Scientist (CFS)
• Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certification
• DNA Analyst Certification (e.g., ASCLD/LAB)
• Training in specialized equipment (e.g., GC-MS, SEM, or MALDI-TOF MS)

---

7. Optional Sections

• Professional Affiliations: E.g., American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
• Publications/Presentations: Include research papers, case studies, or conference presentations.
• Volunteer Work: Relevant community service or pro bono case contributions.

---

Forensic Scientist Resume Example

[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [City, State] | [LinkedIn/Portfolio URL]

---

Objective
Meticulous and results-driven forensic scientist with 5+ years of experience analyzing physical evidence in criminal investigations. Proficient in laboratory techniques, evidence preservation, and data analysis. Dedicated to supporting justice through accurate, detailed forensic reporting and expert testimony.

---

Skills

• DNA analysis and toxicology testing
• Evidence collection and preservation
• Criminal investigations and expert testimony
• Advanced laboratory techniques (GC-MS, FTIR, PCR)
• Data interpretation and forensic report writing
• Chain-of-custody protocols

---

Experience

Forensic Scientist
State Crime Lab, Austin, TX
June 2019 – Present

• Conducted DNA analysis and toxicological testing on biological samples for over 150 criminal cases annually.
• Authored detailed forensic reports used in legal proceedings, achieving a 95% accuracy rate in court-presented findings.
• Provided expert testimony in 25+ criminal trials, effectively explaining complex scientific processes to juries.
• Ensured adherence to chain-of-custody protocols, reducing evidence contamination risks by 30%.

Forensic Lab Technician
City Police Department, Denver, CO
August 2016 – May 2019

• Processed and analyzed trace evidence, including fibers, hair, and residues, for ongoing investigations.
• Supported crime scene teams by collecting and documenting physical evidence in compliance with legal standards.
• Implemented quality control procedures, increasing lab efficiency by 20%.

---

Education
Master of Science in Forensic Science
University of New Haven, New Haven, CT
Graduated: May 2019

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2016

---

Certifications

• Certified Forensic Scientist (CFS)
• DNA Analyst Certification
• GC-MS and FTIR Equipment Training

---

Professional Affiliations

Member, International Association for Identification (IAI)

Member, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

---