Forensic Examiner – Casework and Volume Toxicology

About Us

Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS) is the largest forensic service provider in the UK and Europe.

We are part of Eurofins Scientific, which is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, forensics, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.

In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products. In 2022, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.7 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Salary: Competitive

Location: Feltham, UK

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 per week

Division

The Toxicology team is responsible for the analysis of body fluids and other biological material for alcohol, drugs and poisons in a wide range of criminal cases. Offence types encountered include affray, sexual assault, causing death by dangerous driving, homicide and sudden death. The team also undertakes analyses for H M Coroner in the investigation into the cause of death. We are looking for a Forensic Examiner to join our dedicated team.

The Role

Examiners are responsible for the routine analyses of casework items and general housekeeping duties and work under the direction of a court reporting scientist and/or senior laboratory analyst.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation of casework samples using L/L and SPE
• Analysis and processing of casework samples using HSGC-FID, GC-MS, GC-QQQ, HPLC, LC-MS/MS and HRAM
• Maintain a clean and tidy working environment within the laboratory and follow stringent anti contamination procedures
• Work according to Health and Safety requirements
• Be aware of customer requirements at all times
• Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and highlight any changes required
• Prepare and validate quality control (QC) material
• Ensure laboratory records are meticulously maintained
• Ensuring analytical data conforms to quality standards as defined by the laboratory’s accreditation
• Routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory systems and equipment
• Input data onto an internal case management system
• Maintain the consumable stock and promptly order of any replacements
• Assist in other sections of the laboratory when necessary
• Take an active role in continuous improvement within the team and work to ‘Lean’ principles.

Knowledge, experience and technical skills

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Chemistry/ Analytical Chemistry degree or equivalent
• Communication – effective verbal and written communication skills
• Accountability
• Adaptability/ flexibility
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Integrity
• Planning and organisation

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience or background in Forensic Toxicology
• Previous experience in sample preparation techniques e.g. L/L, SPE.
• Previous experience in GC-MS, GC-QQQ or LC-MS/MS using Chemstation, Masshunter, Xcalibur or Analyst software.
• IT literate including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Person specification

• Full commitment to and demonstration of upholding Eurofins values: Customer Focus, Quality, Competence, Team Spirit and Integrity.
• Demonstrate initiative; adopt a proactive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Excellent attention to detail, well organised and determined.
• Ability to work independently whilst responsive to direction when necessary.
• Ability to cope under pressure, multitask and work to tight deadlines.
• Manage a flexible workload and show high levels of personal resilience.
• Participate in a culture of collaboration, cooperation, sharing information and teamwork.
• Participate in a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing review of processes and procedures.
• Willing and initiative to take on extra duties or responsibilities for the team/department.

Benefits

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you genuine career and salary progression through our Career Pathways Programme, a competitive salary, a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, buy and sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)
• Scottish Widows Company Pension Plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Care Cash Plan membership
• Enhanced company sick pay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to mental and health wellbeing support 24/7
• Free on site car parking

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. In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment.

The organisation 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 organisations applicant privacy notice.