Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Articles and information published before this date may reference the organisation's former name.
Forensic scientists apply scientific knowledge and skills to investigate crime and help police find or eliminate crime suspects.
ESR's forensic capability includes crime scene scientists, drug chemists, DNA experts, physical evidence specialists, toxicologists as well as research into developing or improving forensic techniques.
ESR is the sole forensic science provider to the NZ Police and also provide services for other Government agencies including Customs and Defence. We undertake forensic work for other parties including lawyers, commercial companies and private individuals.
The Careers NZ website has information about a career as a forensic scientist.
ESR partners with the University of Auckland's Faculty of Science to deliver their Forensic Science programme. Read about their Forensic postgraduate qualifications on the University of Auckland website or watch a video of one of our Forensic Scientists (and University of Auckland graduate) talk about a career in forensics:
Working at ESR
Join ESR and you’ll join a diverse and talented team of people working together to protect and enhance the wellbeing of people living in Aotearoa New Zealand.