Can I visit the ESR forensic laboratory?
Unfortunately is is not possible to visit the forensic laboratories. There are Health and Safety issues to consider, as well as security issues and the risk of contamination of samples.
Can I have samples tested by ESR?
Yes. ESR is able to provide some services for private investigators, defence lawyers and members of the general public.
Can I have my DNA tested to see if I am related to someone?
ESR does not do standard relativity testing (e.g. paternity tests). This is routinely performed by DNA Diagnostics in Auckland.
What should I do if I suspect there has been a clan lab in my house?
If the police have been involved, then they will have contacted the council to start the clean-up process. The council have a number of companies specialised in clan lab remediation and testing who will carry out the clean up.
If the police have not been involved then it is advisable to contact one of the remediation companies directly. These companies can test the property for likely contaminants, advise on clean up procedure and retest after clean up to indicate that the property has been "cleaned".
Information on clan lab cleaning and remediation
We receive a lot of enquiries about careers in forensic science and opportunities in forensic science at ESR. Some of the more frequent questions are answered below.
How do I become a Forensic Scientist?
Popular television programmes have created a lot of interest in becoming a forensic scientist.
Please visit our section on Careers in Forensic Science.
I am interested in working for ESR's Forensic Business Group. Could I be informed when any vacancies arise?
All of our vacancies are advertised on the internet on the careers website at https://jobs.govt.nz.
I am not a New Zealand citizen but would like to pursue a career in forensic science with ESR. Would I be able to apply for job at ESR?
If you are living in New Zealand with a current work permit then you are able to apply for a job with ESR and your application will be considered.
If you are living overseas and do not have a New Zealand passport or a work permit then the situation is a little more difficult. New Zealand requires employers to try to fill positions from within the "New Zealand" workforce, before considering overseas applicants. At Technician level there are a large pool of qualified scientists in New Zealand and it is unlikely that we would be unable to find a suitable candidate. As the pool of experienced forensic scientists in New Zealand is limited, however, we do sometimes appoint at this level from overseas if we are looking for specialist skills.
If you are interested in working in New Zealand, you should enquire at your nearest New Zealand embassy to enquire about our immigration requirements. Some information is also available on the internet at the immigration or working in websites.
I am looking for laboratory work over the University holidays (or part-time during the year) and am interested in forensic science. Could I get some work experience at ESR?
ESR has a pool of casual staff that we can call on when temporary assistance is required. These staff may get asked to do anything from basic laboratory work and washing glassware to admin projects. Having your name on our casual pool is not a guarantee that you will receive a call for work. All staff registered on the forensic casual pool must be security cleared (via the Department for Courts) before they are called in to work in the laboratories. If you are interested in registering your name on the casual pool, you should email forensic@esr.cri.nz or register your interest on our careers website.
I am currently at University studying for a degree in (science subject) and would like to pursue a career in forensic science. Should I consider doing a Masters degree or will my current degree be sufficient?
For more information on the qualification requirements for forensic scientists and technicians, see From Crime to Court - The work of a Forensic Scientist.
ESR and the University of Auckland jointly run a set of postgraduate qualifications in forensic science (the Certificate of Proficiency, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Forensic Science). For more information on these courses, go to the forensic page of Auckland University website.
I am not yet at University but am interested in a career in forensic science. What courses should I study?
If you are still at High School, it would be advantageous to study both maths with calculus and maths with statistics, but if you are only wanting to study one of these, maths with statistics would be the most beneficial. Your major at university would depend on your favoured aspect of forensic science: Toxicology would be supported by chemistry, biochemistry or pharmacology; drug analysis by chemistry or pharmacology; forensic biology by biochemistry/molecular biology. However, suitable people lacking the "expected major" are sometimes appointed if subsequent work experience has been relevant.
An initial qualification for a scientist is a BSc (Hons) or equivalent from any reputable university. A technician should have a BSc, NZCS or similar.