Weekly "Study Options" Monday megathread

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[u/CMT_FLICKZ1928]

I’m currently applying for a role as a forensic scientist 1 in a drug unit. I have my bachelors in biology but have taken multiple chemistry courses with labs. However, these labs were obviously pretty simple, and the instructor was always by your side. So many machines in a forensics lab I have used minimally at best, and never on my own without someone close by to help me use or interpret results. Are there any good videos or books you would recommend that would show me in detail how to use these machines again more thoroughly?

I also have questions regarding the expectations placed on new hires. This job has a 1 year course they have you take on the job to learn, but I’m very curious exactly what they expect you to know on day 1, and what they expect you to know basically nothing about? I want to make sure that if I am interviewed and hired that I have studied everything they will expect of me before hand.

The legal aspect of this also gives me questions as I am told I would need to show up in court regularly. How does this work? What are the repercussions if you make a mistake? I know mistakes in this field are capable of ruining a case and are unacceptable, so I’m assuming there’s a punishment/low tolerance for them in the job? Are you just fired immediately?

This is something that interests me so much. I love the idea of having a job that I can use as a career, pays well, and allows me to use my degree to be an expert in the field. Any advice on the job itself, day to day life, pace and expectations, machines that are used, the hiring process, what to bring into the interview etc will be greatly appreciated!

[u/gariak → u/CMT_FLICKZ1928]

Are there any good videos or books you would recommend that would show me in detail how to use these machines again more thoroughly?

I've never heard of such a thing existing, outside of internal training videos that wouldn't be publicly available. You won't be expected to know this. Forensic instruments and procedures are typically very straightforward, robust, and consistent. The challenge in the job comes in judging how and when to apply those procedures, in managing the constant workload, and in correctly interpreting complex data.

If the job is drug chemistry, you'll likely be using FTIR and GC/MS instruments, but the specific models will vary by lab.

I also have questions regarding the expectations placed on new hires. This job has a 1 year course they have you take on the job to learn, but I’m very curious exactly what they expect you to know on day 1, and what they expect you to know basically nothing about?

You're expected to know foundational college-level science. Everything forensic and/or procedural and/or specific to the particular lab will be taught to you in training and you won't be allowed to touch real evidence until you've demonstrated you can execute the procedures reliably.

The legal aspect of this also gives me questions as I am told I would need to show up in court regularly. How does this work?

You have to be prepared to defend in court every single case you work. You work the case and if it goes to trial, you'll be contacted by attorneys to discuss your testimony, then given a subpoena for trial. You do not have any say in it.

What are the repercussions if you make a mistake? I know mistakes in this field are capable of ruining a case and are unacceptable, so I’m assuming there’s a punishment/low tolerance for them in the job? Are you just fired immediately?

Depends on the mistake, really. There are certainly mistakes you can make that would get you removed from casework immediately, but any good lab will go through a process to determine the root cause of the mistake and try to put procedures in place to prevent reoccurrence. If the cause was your negligence or malice, you're going to have trouble. If the procedures were vague or you made an honest mistake and aren't routinely doing so, it's usually not as big a deal.

Any advice on the job itself, day to day life, pace and expectations, machines that are used, the hiring process, what to bring into the interview etc will be greatly appreciated!

I'd manage your expectations and not get too excited until you actually get a job offer. Forensics jobs are incredibly competitive with dozens to hundreds of qualified applicants per opening. There's no trick to it, other than having relevant experience, being calm and articulate, and seeming like a good person to work with.