Help Wanted: DNA Lab Technicians

DNA samples are piling up at crime labs all over the world. Over 160,000 samples currently need to be processed in California with 240,000 new samples received each year. The California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice has recommended that emergency funding be allocated to hire more DNA lab technicians.

This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who’s looking to change careers. The US Department of Labor expects that the need for forensic science technicians will be greater than average especially for those who hold a 4-year degree in forensic science. You can either get a bachelor’s degree specifically in forensic science or one in chemistry, biochem, or genetic engineering with an emphasis on forensic science, criminology, or related areas. The median hourly earnings for forensic science technicians in May 2004 was $21.16.

Who’s up for the challenge? I’d be prepared to do a lot of organizing and categorizing, though. I can’t imagine what hundreds of thousands of DNA samples must look like in storage. No lab could be as neat and tidy as those shown on CSI.

Update: If California thinks they’re in trouble, the FBI expects an increase from 96,000 samples a year to 250,000 upwards of one million samples because of an amendment to a renewal in January 2006 of the Violence Against Women Act that makes DNA sampling part of the routine for anyone detained by federal agents, including illegal immigrant.

Tags: genetics, genes, genome, dna, forensic science, lab technician, jobs, career, forensics, health