Casework Examiner

Eurofins Scientific 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, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies.

In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to over 50,000 staff across a network of more than 900 independent companies in over 50 countries and operating more than 800 laboratories. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products, as well as providing innovative clinical diagnostic testing services, as one of the leading global emerging players in specialised clinical diagnostics testing.

In 2020, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 5.4 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

The Role

An Examiner’s purpose is to work towards both scientific competence and routine achievement of all standard KPIs (quality, output, innovation and development). To be responsible for the completion of the examination work associated with the strategy and instructions of Casework submissions as set by the Reporting Scientist. In the main, the casework examinations may be of a complex nature (e.g. full blood/BPA), include a number of examination methods and/or require a degree of cross skilling.

The roleholder 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to all aspects of the customer Operational Protocol, GLP and EFS Quality Manual
• Work closely with coach to carry out necessary examinations / analysis as per standard operating procedures to required timescales
• Notice when the examination may have to differ from the instructions/strategy set by the Reporting Scientist and agree appropriate action to take the examination forward
• Discuss any potential other examination types that may further assist the customer with the Reporting Scientist
• Critically check findings of casework examinations that fall within the individual’s competency.
• Ensure all notes are contemporaneous, signed and dated as per standard operating procedures.
• Be responsible for the integrity and continuity of exhibits, including their return while under ownership as per examination instructions
• Communicate with the Reporting Scientist as appropriate throughout the lifetime of the case. Provide advice and liaise with Reporting Scientists and Examiners (all levels) both on and off site
• Collaborate and where necessary instruct others to complete casework and non-casework tasks. Assist in daily lab space and workflow management
• Communicate examination progress with the Workflow supervisor/ Casework Manager ensuring any delays are communicated. Escalate any issues that may arise
• Communicate with Workflow Supervisor, or Casework Manager with regards to progress of non casework tasks
• Assist with aspects of Science and Quality that fall within the skills of the individual. Provide support to others to assist with Science and Quality investigations
• Produce an appropriate witness statement or equivalent and attend court as requested
• Responsibility for individual daily time booking on the case management system (CLIMs) associated with the allocated case. Record all absences in IFS
• Seek continual improvement of methodology and processes that will have a positive impact on quality and effectiveness. Raise ideas at team meetings and huddles
• Input into the scheduling and co-ordination of non-casework tasks / systems (e.g. Engineer visits, returns, lab monitoring, blanking, space allocation)
• Support other Examiners / Workflow Supervisor/Casework Manager with aspects of Science and Quality investigations to help the team maintain expected quality standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Required

• Embraces change and continuous improvement
• Proven communication skills both written and verbal
• Demonstrably organised and with good time management skills

Desirable

• Currently competent in bodyfluid examination (cellular, blood, semen and saliva)
• Knowledge of other forensic evidence types preferred
• Previous input into Quality and Science related topics e.g. Validation / Verification, training, coaching and mentoring would be advantageous

Salary: Competitive

Contract: Permanent

Location: Tamworth, UK

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

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 police personnel vetting standards (NPPV/3 and SC), as such any criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/police-forces/warwickshire-police/areas/warwickshire-police/about-us/about-us/police-national-vetting-service/. In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment.

Due to the nature of the work we undertake on-site, 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