Forensic Biologist

Forensic Biologists are specialist scientists who source, analyse, and test biological samples (eg, blood, hair, body fluids, bone tissue, plants and insects) to solve crimes. They attend crime scenes, gather items that may contain biological evidence (eg, clothing, floor coverings, weapons), take photographs and sketches, and log their findings.

As a Forensic Biologist you could be scanning a murder victim’s shoes and clothing for body fluids, DNA testing a hair sample that was extracted from a car seat cover at the scene of a crime, logging evidence items to take back to the laboratory for testing, taking a swab from a sexual assault victim, testing a hand swab for gunshot residue, writing a report from your laboratory findings to submit to the state police department, appearing in court as an expert witness, or attending an international conference for Forensic Scientists.

Forensic Biologists create reports that are used in court as evidence to convict the perpetrators of murders and serious crimes, so attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy is essential to success.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a forensic biologist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $22,032
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist Forensic Science Technician
Forensic Anthropologist Forensic Chemist DNA Analyst Forensic Entomologist Forensic Odontologist Forensic Biologist
+ 6 more

Bachelor of Science (Biology)
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $76,320
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biologist Biotechnologist Ecologist
Biology Teacher Clinical Researcher Forensic Entomologist Forensic Biologist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biologist Biotechnologist Ecologist Biology Teacher Clinical Researcher Forensic Entomologist Forensic Biologist + 4 more

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $45,426
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Microbiologist Pharmaceutical Scientist Biotechnologist
Embryologist DNA Analyst Cytologist Forensic Biologist Laboratory Scientist Molecular Biologist
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Microbiologist Pharmaceutical Scientist Biotechnologist Embryologist DNA Analyst Cytologist Forensic Biologist Laboratory Scientist Molecular Biologist + 6 more
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Common questions

How much do Forensic Biologists earn?

The average weekly salary for a Forensic Biologist in Australia is approximately $1,500. Increase your earning capacity by joining a professional organisation such as the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and pursuing a Master’s degree in a specialist field: genetics and DNA analysis, toxicology, criminology, forensic chemistry, biomedicine, or similar.

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What are the job opportunities for Forensic Biologists?

There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Biologists working in Australia right now. They are employed by government health departments and police forces, though most Forensic Biologists aspire to work for the Forensic Services Division of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra.

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How do I become a Forensic Biologist?

You can launch your career as a Forensic Biologist in Australia with a Bachelor of Forensic Science (Forensic Biology), Bachelor of Applied Science (Forensic Biology), or Bachelor of Biomedicine. You will also benefit from a Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research).

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?

4th November 2021)

Certificate III in Pathology Collection: Everything You Need to Know

10th February 2025)

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