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Becoming a forensic scientist

Forensic scientists apply scientific knowledge and skills to investigate crime and help police find or eliminate crime suspects.

ESR's forensic capability includes crime scene scientists, drug chemists, DNA experts, physical evidence specialists, toxicologists as well as research into developing or improving forensic techniques.

ESR is the sole forensic science provider to the NZ Police and also provide services for other Government agencies including Customs and Defence. We undertake forensic work for other parties including lawyers, commercial companies and private individuals.

The Careers NZ website has information about a career as a forensic scientist(external link).

ESR partners with the University of Auckland's Faculty of Science to deliver their Forensic Science programme. Read about their Forensic postgraduate qualifications on the University of Auckland website(external link) or watch a video of one of our Forensic Scientists (and University of Auckland graduate) talk about a career in forensics:

Not all scientists wear lab coats: Jason Barr, Forensic Scientist(external link)

YouTube clip - forensic career pathway(external link)

To view our current vacancies, apply for a position, or register your details for future jobs at ESR, visit the Science New Zealand Careers website(external link).