FORENSIC SCIENTIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: Apr 03, 2025 - The Forensic Scientist specializes in supporting the development and management of biometric operations and systems architecture for intelligence applications, coordinating effectively with various stakeholders to optimize the use of biometric data. This position conducts comprehensive computer forensic examinations for a Department of Defense agency, employing advanced forensic tools and maintaining stringent evidence handling protocols. This role stays updated on emerging cyber forensic technologies and methods, documents investigative findings rigorously, and provides expert testimony in legal and administrative proceedings.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Forensic Scientist Resume
- Crime Scene Analysis
- Forensic Chemistry
- DNA Sequencing
- Toxicology
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Ballistics
- Fingerprint Analysis
- Digital Forensics
- Trace Evidence Analysis
- Legal Knowledge
- Attention to Detail
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Integrity
- Patience
- Observational Skills
- Empathy
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
Summary of Forensic Scientist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Forensic Science with 4 years of Experience
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Able to pass a standardized color vision screen
- Proficient with computers
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems
- Ability to cope with stress due to production obligations
- Ability to read and comprehend the SOP, Federal (49 CFR Part 40), and CAP-FUDT guidelines
- Ability to communicate with other employees and supervisors
- Ability to provide input and recommendations on operations
- Basic ability to understand the function of a Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other laboratory computer systems
2. BS in Biology with 3 years of Experience
- Knowledgeable in the operation of laboratory equipment (GCMS, LCMS, LCMSMS, pH meters, analytical balances, pipettes, etc.)
- Working knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to obtain proper security clearances as noted by contracts.
- Advanced ability to understand analytical techniques and procedures.
- Advanced ability to understand laboratory instrumentation
- Advanced ability to understand certification requirements for SAMSHA, CAP-PUDT, and other relevant regulatory bodies
3. BA in Chemistry with 4 years of Experience
- A strong background in both LC-MS & GC-MS analyses
- Experience analysing drugs of abuse within biological samples
- Ability to develop novel, robust methods and ideally have experience with method transfer
- Experience in troubleshooting and maintaining instrumentation
- Ability, demonstrated in previous employment experience or described in personnel records, to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and with emphasis on customer service.
- Excellent prioritization, time management, and organization skills.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Experience in dealing with customers and co-workers, utilizing appropriate telephone etiquette, demonstrating appropriate written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to perform standard office tasks and operate standard office equipment.
4. BS in Toxicology with 3 years of Experience
- Knowledge of the theory of operation of LCMS, GCMS and QToF instrumentation as well as experience with GC Headspace
- Experience in examining and interpreting analytical data from various types of instrumentation including MSD and HRMS
- Understanding of quality control and quality assurance principles within a forensic toxicology laboratory is preferred
- Experience with extraction of biological specimens for the detection of alcohol and other drugs of abuse
- Ability to work as part of a team and demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills
- Proficiency in conducting live analysis on systems and use of multiple platforms is desired.
- Experience in searching for information that may have been deleted, hidden or lost in large datasets
- Ability to work within an existing cyber forensics laboratory with a small team.
- Knowledge and experience with a wide variety of computer operating systems and network environments including Windows, OS X, and Linux
- Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing to include IIRs
5. BS in Molecular Biology with 4 years of Experience
- Ability to provide support and assistance for the development and management of operations and systems architecture for biometric collection and biometrics-enabled intelligence (BEI)
- Ability to coordinate with users and providers of biometrics and BEI to maximize effective use of biometric data
- Ability to conduct computer forensic examinations for a Department of Defense (DoD) agency
- Ability to conduct computer forensic examinations using in-house processes and modern forensic tools.
- Ability to conduct validation testing of digital forensic tools
- Ability to maintain an evidentiary chain-of-custody and perform digital data acquisition of a wide variety of digital media
- Ability to research and document new cyber forensic technologies, techniques, and procedures.
- Ability to maintain awareness of technology platforms that can be used for malicious or hostile actions directed against the USG or DoD
- Ability to document examination results and findings, assisting in the overall investigation of an incident, and testify in legal or administrative proceedings
- Ability to conduct forensic exams of computers, servers, and portable electronic devices
6. BA in Biochemistry with 3 years of Experience
- Understanding of general information systems security, network architectures, database concepts, e-mail systems, Office, common intrusion tools and techniques, and commercial off-the-shelf computer forensic tools
- Understanding and experience with Windows Forensic Examinations using the EnCase forensic platform
- Ability to write reports of findings for potential use in legal and administrative proceedings and to verbally explain findings to less-experienced, non-technical persons.
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to multitask efficiently.
- Experience as an expert witness in digital forensics
- Ability to work independently as well as with a small group
- Understanding of computer network penetration testing and techniques
- Understanding of computer evidence seizure, computer forensic analysis, and data recovery
- Understanding of computer intrusion analysis and incident response, intrusion detection
- Understanding of computer network surveillance/monitoring
- Understanding of network protocols, network devices, multiple operating systems, and secure architectures.
- Strong working knowledge of all Microsoft applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), and must be able to work as a member of a team.