Meet Our People

A look at the Administration Office in FSI with Clerical Officer Tara

Please tell us about your role.

The Clerical Officer (CO) role in admin is very varied and interesting. We work with the Laboratory Information management system (LIMS) recording all correspondence received by email from our stakeholders which include An Garda Síochána, Customs and other state agencies. We triage the different emails and phone calls received and prioritise accordingly. We are responsible for the transmission of case reports to the different divisions in An Garda Síochána. We are responsible for the management of the Central Filing System (CFS), this includes file retrieval for our scientists which has to be done efficiently as these could be needed for urgent court appearances. We are the first point of contact via email and telephone so our office work on a rota system ensuring there is cover from 9am to 5pm.

What were your reasons for applying for your role?

The location of the Backweston Laboratory Campus is perfect for my commute as I avoid a lot of rush hour traffic making for a less stressful start to the day. The campus has beautiful walkways and onsite catering facility. It is a lovely environment to work in. It is also very rewarding to be part of a fast paced office that supports the justice system in convicting the criminals or exonerating the innocent.

What do you value most about your job?

I value that I am part of a team that strive to meet goals and give administrative support to our colleagues. Our main goal is to issue all relevant reports in a timely manner in order to bring criminal cases through the court system.

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

The support from my colleagues is second to none as we can come across some upsetting information in our line of work so to have that support is very important. We also have access to the Civil Service Employee Assistance Services (CSEAS).
Flexible working hours are a welcomed benefit as it allows for a good work-life balance. We also have the opportunity to upskill via the One Learning Courses available to us. There are great opportunities for career progression in the civil service.

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

My role has allowed me to be part of a fantastic team of people who are knowledgeable and passionate about the justice system. I had the opportunity to attend the Scene of Crime training which hugely benefitted my working day
as I came away with more insight of how exhibits were handled and processed. This gave me the knowledge to better triage our calls from the scenes of crimes officers.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

I enjoy the variety of my role as CO in the admin office. I work with a fantastic team who make the working day so much easier. We support and assist each other with the various duties daily. I also enjoy the job satisfaction that working with FSI gives. To know we have played a part in the successful outcome of a criminal case is very rewarding.

A look at the Scientific Analyst Role in FSI

Please tell us a bit about your role. 

Our grade consists of 26 Analysts working across six departments: Drugs, Toxicology, DNA, Documents & Handwriting, Chemistry and Fingerprints. The primary role of an Analyst is to support the scientific teams and to ensure the laboratories run smoothly and efficiently. While Analysts are not required to report on cases, we contribute to the Criminal Justice Sector by carrying out daily analysis of exhibits, maintaining the highest standards of quality and recognising the importance of urgent court cases and turnaround times. 

Across the laboratories, FSI Analysts manage a wide range of analytical instruments that require routine quality control checks and annual servicing. Analysts are responsible for organising this servicing, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise in between. Some of the instruments we work with include Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS); Gas Chromatography-Flame ionization Detection (GC-FID); Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS); Fourier Transform infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In addition, Analysts are involved with validating new instruments, verifying methods and continually developing our expertise in these analytical techniques to enhance the detection and identification of evidence for casework. 

What were your reasons for applying?

I applied to Forensic Science Ireland because I wanted my work to have real meaning and by supporting the Criminal Justice Sector through science, I feel I am making a genuine difference. Our new building at the Backweston Laboratory Campus is also a state-of-the-art facility that has gained recognition from forensic laboratories around the world. It provides a secure, modern and comfortable working environment, whilst being surrounded by greenery and walkways that contribute to a positive attitude in the building.

What do you value about your job?

As part of the Drugs team, I value the sense of camaraderie we share. We support one another daily, creating a positive and encouraging environment that makes the work both rewarding and enjoyable. Our laboratory is unique in both the work we carry out and knowing that we play a vital role in the Criminal Justice Sector gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride in my role. 

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

One of our most valuable benefits is our flexi-time agreement, which allows staff to choose work schedules that suit their lifestyle. It also increases leave days, as time built up can be taken in lieu, encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Alongside the support of management and colleagues, we also have access to CSEAS, which promotes wellbeing and provides support for both mental and physical health. FSI is strongly committed to career development, offering opportunities to further education and ensuring staff remain experts in their field. Ongoing training is encouraged through platforms such as One Learning, helping us to continuously grow and develop. 

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

Being an Analyst has given me a broad understanding of the procedures within FSI and valuable experience with a range of analytical equipment, such as GC-MS. Through training and research, I‘ve developed the skills to troubleshoot both common and unique issues, which is priceless hands-on experience. 

This year I had the opportunity to be a part of a research group that presented at the European Academy of Forensic Science, an international conference held in Dublin in May 2025 (https://eafs2025.org/). This experience allowed me to expand my knowledge across different areas of forensic science, while also networking with like-minded professionals from around the world. 

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

Within the Drugs team, I particularly enjoy providing Presumptive Drug Testing (PDT) training to An Garda Síochána staff. This gives me the chance to interact directly with stakeholders, building strong relationships whilst also recognising the wider impact of our work on both the justice system and public safety. I also value the close-knit nature of the analyst cohort at FSI. As Analysts make up less than 20% of the professional and technical staff, there is a real sense of unity, with colleagues always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s supporting research, contributing to a project, or assisting with casework.

What has surprised you since starting this role?

When studying science in college, I often heard that the work could be highly procedural and repetitive. At FSI, however, every day brings something new. Methods of analysis are constantly evolving to keep pace with changes in legislation and drug supply, which makes the work dynamic and challenging. While some cases are particularly complex, what surprised me most was the sheer volume and variety of exhibits that pass through FSI for analysis. It has been both eye-opening and rewarding.

Anything else you would like to share?

Overall, being an Analyst at Forensic Science Ireland is both challenging and fulfilling. It provides the opportunity to grow professionally, contribute to groundbreaking forensic work and make a tangible difference to the justice system. Every day brings new challenges and learning experiences, whether through complex casework, training opportunities or collaboration with colleagues across different disciplines within FSI. What makes the role especially rewarding is knowing that the work we do has a direct impact, supporting investigations, protecting communities and ultimately helping to deliver justice. Combined with the supportive culture within FSI, the role offers not just a career, but a chance to be part of something meaningful and important.

A look at Case Intake Services (CIS) in FSI with Executive Officer Gary

Please tell us a bit about your role?

The role in CIS is one of great variety. CIS team members are client facing and are generally the first point of contact for stakeholders that require FSI’s services. These include An Garda Síochána, Customs, the Defence Forces, other state agencies and Departments. We are responsible for the correct and safe intake and storage of all exhibits to the laboratory. Attention to detail and clear communication is essential. It is a physically active role with a considerable amount of time spent on your feet. There is a requirement for lifting and moving exhibits between disciplines throughout the entire laboratory building. CIS team members are also responsible for the packaging and return of all exhibits back to the relevant stakeholders upon completion of analysis in the laboratory. The work requires us to be onsite in the laboratory for the entire working week.

What were your reasons for applying for your role?

Location and variety were my main two reasons for applying for the job. Being based in the Backweston Laboratory Campus just outside of Dublin not only cut down on my commute but offers a less stressful location and surroundings to work in. The variety of work, between taking in all different types of cases and exhibits that need analysis by the various disciplines of DNA, Fingerprinting, Physical Analysis and Chemical Analysis means no two days are the same. The work in CIS is split between working on Case Intake and a variety of background duties including the retrieval, internal movement, packing and returning of exhibits. 

What do you value most about your job?

My work gives me a strong sense of purpose. I find it rewarding to know that I play a part in science supporting justice. The area that gives me the greatest satisfaction is working with the DNA Cold Case team who work on Body Identification and Missing Persons. While it can be a deeply distressing area of our work, it is rewarding knowing that we play our part in identifying the deceased and bringing reassurance and closure to their families in their time of loss. 

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

CIS enjoy a greater level of flexibility from the Flexi-time system than that which is offered more widely across the Civil Service being able to carry a greater number of hours across flexi-periods along with the option of an earlier start and finish time. The team and organisation recognise the importance of supporting each other especially when taking in more serious cases like sexual assaults, serious assaults and murders. We can call upon the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) if required for professional support. 

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

I have had the opportunity to attend and present a poster at the European Academy of Forensic Science conference in Dublin this year, highlighting the crucial role CIS plays in exhibit management and case information in FSI. I have also had the opportunity to attend several different courses in support of my work to improve my understanding of the various scientific disciplines within FSI, including the collection and packing of evidence at crime scenes. Additionally, I have received training on courtroom attendance and how to deliver evidence as a professional witness. CIS members may be called upon to testify in court to confirm chains of continuity.

What has surprised you since starting this role?

The sheer variety of exhibits and evidence that is presented to FSI for analysis and the many ways in which even a single exhibit can be looked at to provide evidence. Every time you see on the news that something is being sent to FSI for analysis, that exhibit has to come through Case Intake.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoy my interactions with both our clients and the staff within FSI. I have built up a strong working relationship with many of the regular stakeholders that we deal with. I also enjoy the close collaboration with our professional colleagues such as when we have to call on the duty scientists from the different disciplines to consult on case submissions, learning how they may approach exhibits and what might yield the greatest results.

Anything else you would like to share?

Working in CIS is a highly demanding role, both mentally and physically. That said, it is extremely rewarding and gives those working in CIS the opportunity to play an active part in science supporting justice. It is at the core of Civil Service Values including integrity, impartiality and objectivity. The role has greatly helped me in developing my resilience and self-confidence and I take great pride in the work I do.

A look at the Forensic Scientist Role in FSI

Please tell us about your role

The primary role of a Forensic Scientist is to examine and analyse exhibits from crime scenes to provide scientific findings that can be used to further criminal investigations. Forensic Scientists can specialise in one of several areas. 

The Physical Analysis Department is comprised of three different sections: Chemistry, Documents and Handwriting, and Fingerprints. The Forensic Scientists in the Chemistry section analyses a range of trace materials including gunshot residue, explosives and chemical unknowns to determine their chemical composition and also carries out comparisons of trace materials such as glass fragments and fibres from exhibits to determine a possible origin. The Forensic Scientists in the Documents and Handwriting Section examines handwritten letters and official documents to determine if they are genuine or forged. The Forensic Scientists in Fingerprint Section examine exhibits to see if finger-marks can be retrieved. The marks are then searched against our National Database to determine if we can match the unknown finger-mark.

The Forensic Scientists in the DNA and Biological Analysis Department carries out examinations of items associated with a crime for the presence of biological material such as bloodstaining and bloodstain patterns, semen, hair, bone, tissue and cellular DNA. DNA profiling is used by the Forensic Scientists to attempt to identify a possible source of the biological material by comparison of these profiles with reference DNA profiles and/or searching against the National DNA Database. 

The Forensic Scientists in the Chemical Analysis Department are responsible for assessing, analysing, identifying and reporting all materials suspected to contravene the Misuse of Drugs Acts. Examples of such materials include plant materials, powders, tablets, vape oils and blood and urine for Toxicology cases. Case types range from simple possession cases (Section3) to very large drugs seizures (Section15A) such as the seizure of over two tonnes of cocaine from the cargo ship, the MV Mathew, in 2023. The range of substances that are reported on include routine detections such as cannabis, cocaine and diacetylmorphine to newly identified compounds such as 4’-chlorodeschloroalprazolam.

What were your reasons for applying for your role?

Like many people who grew up watching CSI on television, I have always thought a Forensic Scientist was a very interesting and unique job. When the job opportunity was advertised, I thought I would be a good fit for the role with my scientific background and attention to detail, even though I did not study forensic science specifically at university. FSI have also recently built a new state of the art building, which contains some of the most up to date and sophisticated equipment in forensic science. This has put FSI at the forefront of forensic science in Europe, which made the role even more appealing to me.

What do you value most about your job?

Providing a service to the public is what I value most about this job. Our work can help to solve a crime and provide a sense of justice to victims. It can also assist investigations by ascertaining that a person is innocent of an alleged crime. There is a great satisfaction in knowing your work as a Forensic Scientist has a real-world impact in our criminal justice system and in society.

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

As Forensic Scientists are civil servants, we benefit from flexible working hours, which means you can balance work and your personal life. FSI is very proactive in its supports for staff, we can avail of the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service, Peer Support, as well as a mentoring system between senior staff and new members. FSI also supports staff who wish to further their education, with many having achieved Diplomas, Masters and PhDs during their time here. My colleagues are also a great source of support to me, as they provide professional advice on tough cases but are also there just to have a talk after a serious case if needed.

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

One of the biggest benefits of working in FSI is that we are a member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI). Staff are invited to attend and present at the annual ENFSI conferences, which are held in different European countries. It is an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in your field with your peers from different parts of the world. In 2025, FSI hosted a conference for the European Academy of Forensic Science in Dublin, for which many staff were able to attend and present talks and posters. FSI also support training in non-scientific skills such as quality management, health and safety and data protection, which are very beneficial skill sets to have.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

I enjoy the variety of the work most of all as a Forensic Scientist. Your day-to-day involves treating a large range of different types of exhibits, with some unique items entering the lab. As a Forensic Scientist you may be called to court to give evidence as an expert witness, which is a very interesting and rewarding experience as it an opportunity to see the contribution of your work. Additionally, FSI are always looking to implement new techniques, so opportunities for research and validation are always present. No one day is ever the same.