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Criminalist Job Description

What does a Criminalist do?

A Criminalist, also known as a forensic scientist, is responsible for collecting and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes in order to help solve crimes. They use a variety of techniques and equipment such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, ballistics, and toxicology to analyze evidence. A Criminalist may also be called to testify in court as an expert witness and may work with law enforcement agencies to reconstruct crimes. They must be highly detail-oriented, analytical, and have a strong knowledge of scientific methods.

Our Criminalist job description includes the Criminalist responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Criminalist Example


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If you need an example job description for a Criminalist download the one below, alternatively we have many other job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Criminalist do?

Criminalists are responsible for the identification, collection, preservation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence found at a crime scene. They work closely with police officers to help determine the facts of a case,

and may be called to attend court as an expert witness. They must be able to accurately document, label and store evidence, as well as use laboratory equipment to analyse and compare it. Criminalists must also have strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge of forensic science techniques and legal procedures.

Criminalist Role Purpose

The purpose of a Criminalist is to use scientific techniques to provide evidence in criminal investigations. This evidence can be used in court to help prove or disprove a suspect’s involvement in a crime. The role of a Criminalist includes collecting and analyzing physical evidence, such as fingerprints, fibers, and blood; examining documents and handwriting; and interpreting the results of laboratory tests. They may also be involved in interviewing witnesses, helping to recreate crime scenes, or aiding in the identification of suspects.

Criminalist Role

Criminalist is a job which involves applying scientific techniques to the analysis and investigation of crime. This includes collecting and analysing evidence from crime scenes, such as fingerprints and DNA samples, as well as examining documents and conducting interviews in order to help solve crimes.

Criminalist Duties

  • Collect and analyse physical evidence
  • Perform laboratory tests to detect and identify substances
  • Present evidence in court
  • Conduct research on criminal records
  • Write detailed reports on forensic investigations

Criminalist Requirements

  • Ability to analyse complex information and evidence
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Knowledge of relevant laws and legislation
  • Attention to detail
  • A methodical approach to work

Criminalist Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Logical reasoning
  • Problem solving
  • Evidence collection and analysis

Criminalist Personal Traits

  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical
  • Problem-solving
  • Organised
  • Good communication

How to write a Criminalist Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Criminalist Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Criminalist Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Criminalist Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Criminalist

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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