Reporting Scientist

Salary:                               Competitive      

Location:                           National - Warrington, Culham, Tamworth, Wakefield       

Contract:                           Permanent

Hours:                               37.5 (Full Time)

Closing date:                    31st May 2024

The role holder is to be responsible for the creation and completion of the work associated with the DNA analysis / Body Fluid interpretation of laboratory Biology Casework submissions. Ultimately, to take ownership of a case and to be responsible for the production of a report, SFR, Witness Statement or equivalent and attend Courts of Law as an expert witness as required. They will assist the Business Unit in routinely achieving success (in Quality, Output, Innovation and Development).

The role holder will be required to participate in any requirement for shift working and/or weekend rota cover (in lab or on call) as business needs dictate, either on the basis of hours which are additional to the standard week or by rostering. Where this is required, appropriate rota payments will be made.

We are currently recruiting a number of positions ranging from DNA Reporting Scientist through to Body Fluid and Blood Pattern Analysis / Scene of Crime Reporting Scientist across our Birchwood Park (Warrington), Culham, Tamworth and Wakefield sites. During the recruitment and selection process, we will determine candidates’ suitability for either role and offer accordingly. However, applicants are welcome to express a role preference in their application. Candidates are also requested to state their preferred location(s)

Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to all aspects of the customer Operational Protocol and Eurofins Quality Manual.
• Ensure all work (including sub-contractors) is authorized, completed to contracted / agreed timescales and to estimated cost if applicable.
• Check all critical findings in line with standard operating procedures.
• Interpretation of results/evaluation of findings
• Manage the integrity and continuity of exhibits, including their return.
• Communicate with customer as appropriate throughout the lifetime of case.
• Discuss findings with the customer/CPS.
• Produce an Expert Witness statement or equivalent and attend court as requested.
• Assume responsibility for the day to day financial obligations and time booking on the case management system (CLIMs) associated with the allocated case.
• Seek continual improvement of methodology and processes that will have a positive impact on quality and effectiveness.
• Responsibility for assisting the Casework Manager/Workflow Supervisors with the operational task management of other reporting scientists’ workload to deal with planned or un-planned abstractions within the team (e.g. illness, annual leave, court etc.) to ensure the needs of the customer are met.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Required

• Good scientific degree.
• Demonstrable organisational and time management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Committed to Continuous Improvement

Desirable

• Awareness and understanding of other evidence types.
• Holds current or previous competence in interpretation of DNA results, including evidential comparisons.
• Currently or previously competent in Biology Casework Examinations
• Demonstrable knowledge and adherence to the required Customer Operational Protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Management System, Health & Safety documents and CPS requirements.
• Demonstrable knowledge and adherence to the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance will be required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance.  This role may in addition require random alcohol/drug screening.

Due to the nature of the work we undertake at our Tamworth facility, you must inform us if you come into contact with any firearms or ammunition through work or any other reason as there will be precautions you will need to take in order to enter the premises.  This also applies to persons involved in clay pigeon shooting, and those who regularly use any cartridge based tools such as nail/stud guns.  Please provide details on your application.

The organization treats personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with its data protection policy.  Information about how your data is used and the basis for processing your data is provided in the organizations applicant privacy notice.