We receive emails on a daily basis enquiring about a career in Forensic Analysis in South Africa. We have put together a list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS which will give you some insight into this field and what is required should you wish to pursue a career in forensics in South Africa:
1. What field of forensic science does the DNA Project focus on?
There are many fields in forensic science and we can only provide you with information on forensic genetics. The DNA Project focuses specifically on the use of DNA from biological material that can be used as evidence in criminal cases. This type of work is
generally done in a laboratory where the scientist will receive evidence from a crime scene, extract DNA from the evidence if possible and thereafter obtain a DNA profile of the individual in question. The DNA profile obtained from crime scene evidence will then
be compared with the DNA profile from a suspect. If they match then it means that the suspect must have been at the crime scene. In contrast if there is no match then the suspect is innocent.
The DNA Project does not have any laboratories of our own and we are not involved with any casework. We function merely as an NGO whose objectives include the implementation of a DNA awareness campaign where we educate people who are likely to be the first at a crime scene on the importance of DNA evidence as well as how to contain and not contaminate a crime scene. In addition, we are lobbying for changes to the existing legislation regarding the use of DNA evidence and a DNA Database to assist
in the detection and conviction of offenders.
2. What subjects do I need to take at school if I want to study to become a forensic DNA analyst?
You will need to take Physical Science, Life Science (Biology) and core Maths for matric in order to be accepted at a University offering a BSc degree in Molecular Biology.
3. How can I study to become a DNA analyst at a forensic science laboratory?
If you are considering a career in Forensic Genetics (DNA) then you would need to complete a B.Sc. and major in Genetics and Biochemistry or Molecular Biology. This can be done at a number of Universities such as Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of Free State and University of KZN. The B.Sc. degree takes 3 years to complete. Thereafter you would need to complete an honours degree (1 year) where you would specialise in forensic DNA analysis. Currently there are
two Universities offering such a degree. These are the University of Free State and the University of Cape Town. Such a degree would qualify you for employment at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (part of SAPS) or other private laboratories offering services such as paternity testing.
The contact person at UFS is Dr. Karen Ehlers: EhlersK.SCI@ufs.ac.za
The contact person at UCT is Dr. Marise Heyns: marise.heyns@uct.ac.za
All the above-mentioned courses are offered at postgraduate level at University. Alternatively, a diploma in forensic science is offered by a company called Forensics 4 Africa. In this regard you could contact Pierre Joubert at: pierre@forensics4africa.com
Students at work at the UFS Genetics Dept.
4. Can I do an internship or job shadow someone at the DNA Project?
The DNA Project does not have any laboratories of their own and are not involved with
any case work. We function merely as an NGO that tries to assist the State Forensic
Science Laboratory to operate more efficiently. At present our primary objectives include
a DNA awareness campaign where we educate people who are likely to be the first at a
crime scene on the importance of DNA evidence as well as how to contain and not
contaminate a crime scene.
Unfortunately due to contamination issues, as well as the sensitive nature of criminal
casework, I do not think it will be possible for you to job shadow anyone at the State
Forensic Science Laboratory. You could however contact one of the private laboratories
to see if they would have anything available. This would give you some idea only of the
type of laboratory work you would be involved with. Some private laboratories include:
Pathcare, Unistel, GENEDiagnostics and Lancet.
5. How do I find out about employment opportunities in the field of forensic biology?
In terms of employment opportunities, your best bet would be to obtain employment within the South African Police Force – the structure under which all disciplines of forensics fall. The State labs are often looking for new staff members. They generally advertise in the Sunday papers and advertise for a number of posts at the same time.
The new state-of-the-art Forensic Lab in Plattefkloof, Cape Town
Whenever we are notified of posts that are available you will find the information on our blog. The last advertisement can be found here. Alternatively, you can contact some private laboratories which do work on cases such as paternity testing: Pathcare, Unistel, GENEDiagnostics and Lancet.
I am currently working for the Department Of Finance in Gauteng I am thinking of studying DNA and I always wanted to work with DNA testing please help me I need more information
Hey there,
The place where you click “here” for latest vacancies does not work, is this because there is currently no vacancies? I am 5 months away from completing a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science in the UK and plan to move back to SA after my degree is complete, therefore I am looking into jobs now.
Thank you
Kristin
Hi Kristin
The vacancies listed under this blog post are no longer available and at present we don’t have a new list of current Forensic vacancies but will post new vacancies on our blog once we are notified.
Best wishes
DNA Project
I have completed my Bsc degree in 2013 and i majored in biochemistry and microbiology.can i do an internship in the forensic lab or i must do an honours first?which of my majors must i register for that honours?
Jae, I’m also in a similar position, BA criminology, was thinking of doing btech in forensic investigation and auditing. But somehow I think we are excluded in the criminal justice environment, they only seek those in other fields of study.
Hi, I am currently a student at the University of KwaZulu Natal doin Bsc Biomedical Sciences, it covers a broad spectrum of subjects in the field of Biology, I have done Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, genetics, Physiology etc. Was wondering if I am lost in this degree of mine if I want to pursue a caree in forensic DNA?
Hi Londekile
Thank you for your enquiry.
On a postgraduate level if you are considering a career in Forensic Genetics (DNA) then you can complete an honours degree (1 year) where you can specialise in forensic DNA analysis but you would need to have completed a B.Sc. and major in Genetics and Biochemistry or Molecular Biology.
Currently there are two Universities offering such a degree. These are the University of Free State and the University of Cape Town.
For further information regarding the honours degree in forensic DNA analysis please feel free to contact Dr. Karen Ehlers: EhlersK.SCI@ufs.ac.za (UFS) or Dr. Marise Heyns: marise.heyns@uct.ac.za (UCT).
Best wishes
DNA Project
I understand that you need Biology and science in order to study Forensic biology at university level, however there is a college which does not require those subjects, besides maths, in order to study, but will only allow for you to earn a certificate or deploma. With that qualification, will that be enough in order to enroll for forensic biology at university level, and later on furthering to a higher degree?
Hi, I am currently completing a B.A degree in Criminology through the Unisa. I am willing to start as trainee in a junior position as I desperately need the working experience and this opportunity will increase my scope in my chosen field. Please note that i have sincere intention of adding to my CV with a Btech in forensics by the end of 2014.
Please advise me on how and where I have fallen short. I would also appreciate a directive on what other aspects I would have to complete in order to meet the necessary requirements..
i am currently doing bsc final year majoring in biochemistry and physiology and next i am specializing in biochemistry can i still do forensic ?
I will need help with forensic science subjects which I need to choose in high school
I am doing my honours in medical science specifically physiology,would that hold me in good steed for a job in the forensic biology sector?
SOME ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What field of forensic science does the DNA Project focus
on?
There are many fields in forensic science and we can only provide you with information
on forensic genetics. The DNA Project focuses specifically on the use of DNA from
biological material that can be used as evidence in criminal cases. This type of work is
generally done in a laboratory where the scientist will receive evidence from a crime
scene, extract DNA from the evidence if possible and thereafter obtain a DNA profile of
the individual in question. The DNA profile obtained from crime scene evidence will then
be compared with the DNA profile from a suspect. If they match then it means that the
suspect must have been at the crime scene. In contrast if there is no match then the
suspect is innocent.
The DNA Project does not have any laboratories of our own and we are not involved with
any casework. We function merely as an NGO whose objectives include the
implementation of a DNA awareness campaign where we educate people who are likely
to be the first at a crime scene on the importance of DNA evidence as well as how to
contain and not contaminate a crime scene. In addition, we are lobbying for changes to
the existing legislation regarding the use of DNA evidence and a DNA Database to assist
in the detection and conviction of offenders.
2. What subjects do I need to take at school if I want to study
to become a forensic DNA analyst?
You will need to take Physical Science, Life Science (Biology) and core Maths for matric
in order to be accepted at a University offering a BSc degree in Molecular Biology.
3. How can I study to become a DNA analyst at a forensic
science laboratory?
If you are considering a career in Forensic Genetics (DNA) then you would need to
complete a B.Sc. and major in Genetics and Biochemistry or Molecular Biology. This can
be done at a number of Universities such as Pretoria, University of Cape Town,
University of Stellenbosch, University of Free State and University of KZN. The B.Sc.
degree takes 3 years to complete. Thereafter you would need to complete an honours
degree (1 year) where you would specialise in forensic DNA analysis. Currently there are
two Universities offering such a degree. These are the University of Free State and the
University of Cape Town. Such a degree would qualify you for employment at the State
Forensic Science Laboratory (part of SAPS) or other private laboratories offering
services such as paternity testing.
The contact person at UFS is Dr. Karen Ehlers: EhlersK.SCI@ufs.ac.za
The contact person at UCT is Dr. Marise Heyns: marise.heyns@uct.ac.za
All the above-mentioned courses are offered at postgraduate level at University.
Alternatively, a diploma in forensic science is offered by a company called Forensics 4
Africa. In this regard you could contact Pierre Joubert at: pierre@forensics4africa.com or
look at their website: http://www.forensics4africa.com/
4. Can I do an internship or job show someone at the DNA
Project?
The DNA Project does not have any laboratories of their own and are not involved with
any case work. We function merely as an NGO that tries to assist the State Forensic
Science Laboratory to operate more efficiently. At present our primary objectives include
a DNA awareness campaign where we educate people who are likely to be the first at a
crime scene on the importance of DNA evidence as well as how to contain and not
contaminate a crime scene.
Unfortunately due to contamination issues, as well as the sensitive nature of criminal
casework, I do not think it will be possible for you to job shadow anyone at the State
Forensic Science Laboratory. You could however contact one of the private laboratories
to see if they would have anything available. This would give you some idea only of the
type of laboratory work you would be involved with. Some private laboratories include:
Pathcare, Unistel, GENEDiagnostics and Lancet.
5. How do I find out about employment opportunities in the
field of forensic biology?
In terms of employment opportunities, your best bet would be to obtain employment
within the South African Police Force – the structure under which all disciplines of
forensics fall. The State labs are often looking for new staff members. They generally
advertise in the Sunday papers and advertise for a number of posts at the same time.
Whenever we are notified of posts that are available you will find the information on our
blog. The last advertisement can be found at http://dnaproject.co.za/blog/forensicservices-
posts-available-applications-are-now-open. Alternatively, some private
laboratories that do work on cases such as paternity testing include: Pathcare, Unistel,
GENEDiagnostics and Lancet.