What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research work
using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have some
biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

A forensic worker would be expected to have a broader range of
qualifications so they could work in other areas of forensic
investigation.
Human Anatomy qualification is required for example.

On 23 Dec 2003 10:36:14 -0800, heyimjustcurious@yahoo.com (curious)
scribed these bits:

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research work
using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have some
biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

X X
X
X X

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research work
using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have some
biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research work
using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have some
biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

"Octa Ex" <xxx@xxx.xx> wrote in message
news:3fe8c6ab.178658984@152.91.10.200...
A forensic worker would be expected to have a broader range of
qualifications so they could work in other areas of forensic
investigation.
Human Anatomy qualification is required for example.

On 23 Dec 2003 10:36:14 -0800, heyimjustcurious@yahoo.com (curious)
scribed these bits:

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research work
using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have some
biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

X X
X
X X


I would expect there to be a place for someone who basically drives the
laboratory work. Obviously the "investigators" would need a broader
experience, but someone has to do the actual lab work. If this is what you
had in mind then go for it. But as said above, if you want to be one of the
"CSI team" you'll need a wider background.

Barry Hunt

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research
work using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have
some biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

heyimjustcurious@yahoo.com (curious) wrote:

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic research
work using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses taken but have
some biology courses) in forensic chemistry related work?

I'd guess that 20-30 years ago that there were only a couple of
places in the US that offered degrees in "forensic science" or
"forensic chemistry". Today, there are dozens of places that offer
undergrad and grad degree programs in forensic type stuff.

Somebody has put together a PARTIAL list here:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4329/education.html

I would have to guess that these graduates have a leg up
on getting those positions.

Even though you say you just want to do analyses it's
context sensitive: "Here, analyze this AND BE CAREFUL!"
means one thing (don't drop it?) to you but some very
specific things to someone already trained in forensic analysis.

I say go for it and try to get your masters at night school
if you get the job.

"Barry" <barryh46au@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:<bsaipe$2oed$1@arachne.labyrinth.net.au>...
"Octa Ex" <xxx@xxx.xx> wrote in message
news:3fe8c6ab.178658984@152.91.10.200...
A forensic worker would be expected to have a broader range
of qualifications so they could work in other areas of
forensic investigation.
Human Anatomy qualification is required for example.

On 23 Dec 2003 10:36:14 -0800, heyimjustcurious@yahoo.com
(curious) scribed these bits:

What is the job prospect in forensic chemistry?

What's the chance for a chemistry graduate with academic
research work using GC/MS (without any biochemistry courses
taken but have some biology courses) in forensic chemistry
related work?

X X
X
X X


I would expect there to be a place for someone who basically
drives the laboratory work. Obviously the "investigators" would
need a broader experience, but someone has to do the actual lab
work. If this is what you had in mind then go for it. But as
said above, if you want to be one of the "CSI team" you'll need
a wider background.

Barry Hunt

I do not want to be investigative team. Just want to do the lab
testings. Are these jobs relatively in demand compared to
analyt. chem jobs in chem industry?

If all you have is a BS in chemistry, you are going to have to move
to the job if you don't live where the jobs are.

David

If all you have is a BS in chemistry, you are going to have to
move to the job if you don't live where the jobs are.

David


I'd gladly move to a good paying chem job, but it seems that
most care little about experience, and more about higher
education beyond a BS.

Dave

David A. Webb <davidw1@netexpress.nospam.net> wrote in
news:jgs0vv0o4aq7vr1agecrib2e64d73jk76q@4ax.com:


If all you have is a BS in chemistry, you are going to have to
move to the job if you don't live where the jobs are.

David


I'd gladly move to a good paying chem job, but it seems that
most care little about experience, and more about higher
education beyond a BS.

Dave



Yes, that's true. Most of the job ads posted at the annual American
Society for Mass Spectrometry meeting are generally asking for MS-
level education, with several years of specific experience especially
where mass spectromertic analyses are involved.

Unfortunately, this represents two unhappy trends: First, as you are
no doubt experiencing, the job market for people with BS or entry-
level skills is small, and companies aren't willing to invest the
time it takes to bring you up to speed. And second, companies are in
effect cheapening the value of an MS degree by bringing them in at
the technician level with generally little hope for advancement into
the scientist ranks.

I would suggest that your best opportunity would be to Google for
"analytical lab" or "analytical contract lab" and generate a list of
those in your local area or in an area where you'd like to live. You
might also look at larger hospitals that have associated diagnostic
labs, and soil or water testing labs.

Instead of sending your resume, call up and talk to the analytical
services manager. While you can tell him you're looking for a job,
what you really want to know is what skills he thinks most important
in a candidate / employee. Ask him what's the best way to acquire
those skills - whether it is hands-on experience, more education, or
higher education. You might find your skills are well-matched to the
needs of a smaller lab.

Good luck,

David