Toxicology Analyst

KFS are one of the leading forensic providers in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality service and building strong working relationships with our customer base. Our team of forensic scientists are experienced in the interpretation and reporting of a wide range of evidence types in support of criminal investigations.

We are passionate about supporting the Criminal Justice system and want to hear from potential employees who share that same passion.

Please read the requirements of the job carefully as your application will be measured against them. Please ensure you have the experience we are looking for. This is a specialist role and as such we will only shortlist those with the relevant experience and attributes.

Position:

Purpose of Role

To provide strong and focused technical and operational support, working alongside and in conjunction with the Toxicology analytical team and team lead.

Role Summary

To work as part of an enthusiastic and evolving team to ensure the timely throughput of toxicological case work.

To assist the laboratory with the analysis of forensic specimens in order to determine the toxicological factors in the investigation of criminal offences and Coronial cases. This will involve the examination of predominantly blood, urine and post-mortem specimens in order to isolate, identify and quantify alcohol (ethanol), commonly encountered illicit and abused drugs, medicinal drugs and other poisons/substances.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the instruction of the Team Leader (Toxicology Analytical) and the Reporting Scientists, the toxicology analyst will be responsible for:

• Assessing the integrity and suitability of the case samples for analysis.

• Preparing contemporaneous, accurate and concise examination notes.

• The recovery, testing and processing of toxicological evidence to clearly defined standard operating procedures (SOP).

• Preparation of primary drug standards (and verification by UV spectrophotometry), calibration standards and reagents.

• Monitoring and replenishment of laboratory consumables.

• The appropriate handling and recording of the drug reference standards in compliance with the laboratory’s Home Office controlled drug licence.

• Following anti-contamination procedures as appropriate and ensuring work areas are clean and orderly.

• Ensuring equipment is maintained to specific schedules and monitoring the functioning of the equipment, recognising any problems and taking prompt corrective action to minimise equipment downtime

• Calibrating equipment and instrumentation according to SOPs and ensuring up to date records are maintained

Requirements:

Skills and Competencies

• An awareness of drug extraction techniques, notably LLE and SPE; laboratory experience is desirable.
• An awareness of immunoassay and chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques. Experience of operating such instrumentation is desirable.
• Must be willing to take on a high level of responsibility
• A thorough understanding of good laboratory practice is essential
• Previous experience of method development and validation desirable, but not essential.

• IT literate including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of casework in the context of the Criminal Justice System and the Codes of Practice of the Forensic Science Regulator.
• Understands the importance of the customer and contractual tender requirements.
• High level of honesty and integrity and takes responsibility for own actions.
• Strong work ethic and commitment
• Team player with well developed interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to support others.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Uses own initiative to achieve timely completion of work.
• Ability to work methodically and reliably under pressure.

• Proactive in maintaining continual professional development where appropriate.

Qualifications

• 
  Minimum of A level or equivalent in a scientific subject

• Previous experience within a forensic laboratory environment is desirable but not essential.

Other information:

In return, we can offer a competitive salary, in addition to numerous company benefits, which are listed on our careers page https://www.keyforensic.co.uk/forensic-science-careers

The role is full time (37 hours per week) and based at our laboratory in Warrington.

IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STRINGENT SECURITY VETTING YOU MUST HAVE RESIDED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR APPLICATION. WE CANNOT CONSIDER APPLICANTS THAT HAVE NOT LIVED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS AND YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED.

KFS is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. One of our goals is to work within an environment free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice. We aim to embed this in all of our recruitment and selection policies, procedures and practices.

The closing date for this position is 20 May 2023 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage.