Reporting Scientist, Toxicology

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK.

Security clearance is undertaken by a third party to non-police personnel vetting standards (NPPV3 and SC). As such any criminal convictions (including criminal convictions held by: you your partner parents siblings children over the age of 10 and anyone living with you who doesnt fit these relationships) may prevent you from gaining security clearance.

Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at

of Job

Primarily reporting a range of toxicology cases for drugs and alcohol including Road Traffic Act and casework (such as sexual assaults murder investigations and suspicious deaths) cases with court appearance as an expert witness.

Reporting Structure

Reports to Toxicology Reporting Team Leader

Principal Accountabilities

• Preparation of toxicology case reports
• Providing verbal and written testimony for the results reported
• Peer review of case reports
• Assessing the most appropriate samples and work to be carried out for a case based on case circumstances and customer requirements
• Ensuring that cases are managed appropriately to meet required turnaround times and work is invoiced in line with customer requirements
• Meeting performance expectations and supporting other team members to achieve team performance expectations
• Maintaining an up to date and complete technical knowledge of a broad range of toxicology procedures
• Interpretation of GCQQQ LCQQQ and HS-GCFID data with potential for data processing and checking
• Interacting professionally with other team members and other teams
• Writing and updating standard operating procedures as required
• Updating case management systems and process documentation to allow accurate monitoring and rapid progression of casework
• Working under supervision of the Team Leaders and BUMA ensuring that quality accuracy and safety standards are maintained
• Actively participate with quality activities including but not limited to identifying issues completing investigations and supporting with internal and external audits
• Actively engage with continuous improvement projects and help drive workflow efficiency

Job Requirements

Education

• Higher/further qualification in a scientific subject desirable preferably chemistry or pharmacology based

Experience

• Toxicology specialisation with experience of a broad range of scientific techniques and experience in reporting toxicology cases essential
• Experience of presenting expert evidence in court in support of the criminal justice system essential

Technical Skills

• Good knowledge and experience of interpreting data from GCQQQ LCQQQ and HS-GCFID desirable
• Competent to interpret and report on the results of toxicology analysis essential
• Experience with Microsoft Excel / Word in order to carry out data input
• Understanding of quality systems
• Maintaining an awareness of developments in toxicology

Non-Technical Skills

• Understanding of customer needs in terms of quality and timeliness
• Excellent attention to detail with ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Highly ethically motivated
• Professional demeanour
• Innovative with enthusiasm for implementing change when required
• Commitment to UKAS / ISO17025 requirements and Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice

Physical Demands

• This role requires good concentration meticulous attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• VDU operation
• Sitting

Working Conditions

• A computer workstation in an air conditioned office
• Laboratory work if required including periods of sitting and standing
• Occasional requirement for early starts/late working/weekend working as dictated by the workload
• Travel to court if required

Please note that we reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received a sufficient number of applications.

Required Experience:

IC