Forensic scientist

Fiona Matheson says it is imperative to maintain concentration and attention to detail in her work. Picture / Graeme Sedal

Name: Fiona Matheson
Age: 37
Role: Senior forensic scientist
Working hours: 9-5 with a 24/7 on-call commitment every three to four weeks
Average pay: $55,000-$75,000
Qualifications and provider. Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science from Auckland University and a New Zealand Certificate in Science from ATI (now AUT)

Describe what you do on a regular basis

Most cases I'm involved in are homicides, serious assaults, sexual violations and other serious crime. I carry out evidence recovery of biological fluids (blood/semen/saliva) and physical evidence (glass/fibres/hairs/paint etc) from items submitted to the laboratory for examination. I then interpret the analytical results obtained from the evidence recovered, prepare a statement for presentation in court and give evidence in court.

Why did you choose this line of work?

At school I had an interest in science and anatomy but forensic science wasn't really known. The Department of Scientific Industrial Research (DSIR) did a careers day presentation and I was fascinated by a toxicological analysis of someone's stomach contents.

What sort of training or experience do you need to do the job?

Intensive on-the-job training provides a theoretical and practical knowledge base. It takes over a year to train someone; then the focus is on gaining experience. You are always learning. A solid science background and subjects such as law and statistics help. It depends on how you want to specialise. A DNA scientist needs qualifications in molecular biology whereas a clandestine laboratory scientist (analysis of illicit drug laboratory evidence) needs a chemistry background.

Your history?

I have been with Environmental Science and Research (formerly DSIR) for 16 years beginning in an apprentice type position in the forensic biology unit doing basic laboratory duties, blood grouping and DNA profiling. When ESR restructured forensic services, I became a technician doing crime scene work and laboratory examinations. In 2000 I went to university, did a post graduate diploma and became a scientist in 2002.

What skills or qualities do you need?

It is labour intensive, routine and repetitive work. It is imperative to maintain concentration and attention to detail to ensure set standards are met and methods and procedures followed. To be able to form an opinion a scientist must question the results obtained in such a way that they identify the conditions that could have produced that result. This is the key to the work because it is important to be able to corroborate or refute scenarios posed by the Crown and the defence.

Best part of the job?

It is challenging and rewarding using my knowledge, skills and experience to assist in a criminal investigation and then give that evidence in court. Our role is to assist the jury by showing them the evidence and how it can be interpreted. To achieve this, the evidence has to be presented in an unbiased manner and in a language understood by jurors.

Most challenging part?

My on-call weeks tend to be hectic as I'm often at multiple crime scenes during that time and usually don't know where I will be, what I'll be doing or how long it will take. However, this part of the job also offers the spontaneity and excitement that I enjoy and want.

Advice to someone interested in forensic science?

You must have a science-based university qualification. Currently, the majority of incoming technical staff have science master's degree (usually forensic), a broad range of interests and/or employment that highlights personal attributes and skills. Often one person is appointed over another because of the latter. My team - Auckland Forensic Service Centre - has 16 people and we would replace a scientist and a technician about every 12 to 18 months.

Validity of TV's CSI?

A lot of the science is good in CSI. What is unrealistic is their approach to the scene and the involvement of the forensic scientist in all aspects of the police case. We only collect and examine the evidence; we do not interview complainants and suspects.

Career prospects?

Overseas police generally have trained police collecting and interpreting scientific evidence so their forensic staff begin by policing and layer science knowledge on top. Because I don't have a police background, it would be difficult for me to move into some organisations overseas although there is an increase of civilians being employed in these roles abroad.

Even within New Zealand there are limited career prospects because it is such a small field here. I could transfer my skills to other environments such as justice and non sworn police roles.