Are you looking for lecturing jobs in forensic science or biology?
Here we take an in-depth look at what it’s like to work as a forensic science lecturer in higher education, the qualifications and experience you’ll need and where to look for jobs.
What is Forensic Biology?
Forensic biologists seek to link biological data to a victim, item or location to support a criminal investigation. They analyse biological samples (such as DNA, blood and tissue) and other materials like paint or glass, to identify victims and perpetrators. The work is mainly laboratory-based however, forensic biologists are often called to crime scenes and asked to testify in court.
Employers include the police and criminal justice system, government departments, medical schools, universities and companies which provide forensic and DNA testing services.
Forensic Biology Lecturer Jobs
Lecturers in this field teach specialist modules and courses while conducting research in specific areas like forensic genetics, forensic archaeology or toxicology.
Duties include:
- Delivery of lectures and tutorials to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Carrying out individual and collaborative research in an area of forensic biology.
- Facilitating laboratory demonstrations and classes across a broad remit of themes.
- Publishing research outcomes and compiling further funding proposals.
- Supervision of student projects and work placements.
- Forging external research partnerships, enterprises and initiatives.
- Curriculum and module design and development.
How to Become a Forensic Biology Lecturer
Higher education employers look for candidates to have the following qualifications and experience as a minimum:
Essential qualifications
- Biological or forensic sciences undergraduate degree.
- PhD in forensic genetics, biology or directly related area.
- Higher education teaching qualification and/or fellowship with Advance HE. Depending on the employer, this is either listed under the ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’ criteria.
Experience and knowledge
You would need to demonstrate evidence of successful research outcomes in your specialist area and experience in teaching and mentoring, preferably in a higher education context. Most lecturers will have completed at least one postdoctoral fellowship or similar research role before being considered.
Universities are also interested in hiring candidates who have direct professional experience in performing and reporting forensic biology casework, for example with a police force or government department. Membership with an appropriate professional body such as the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences might also be required.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for forensic biology lecturers start in the range of £34,304 to £50,296 p.a., depending on qualifications and academic/professional experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining teaching and research experience, the next academic level would be senior lecturer or associate professor in forensic biology (or related field). Alternatively, you may wish to apply for research-only roles, such as senior research associate or fellow.
Where can I find jobs?
Forensic biology is widely taught as part of biology, genetics and forensic science degrees. It is a popular discipline among students, however, competition for lecturing posts is also high. Having professional experience as a forensic scientist will put you ahead of the competition, but bear in mind that you might face a wait for the right lecturing job to become available.
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Find Forensic Biology jobs here
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