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.

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

To assist the toxicology department in the analysis of forensic specimens to determine the toxicological factors in the investigation of criminal offences (e.g. RTA offences, deaths, drug facilitated sexual assaults etc.) and Coronial cases.

To provide expertise, technical and practical support to the toxicology analytical team to facilitate the smooth running of the toxicology laboratory, including instrumentation maintenance and trouble-shooting, validation work and the implementation of new methods.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the instruction of the Research and Development Technical Lead, the Technical Specialist will be responsible for:

·Development, validation and implementation of new methods to support extensions to scope, in line with ISO17025 (2017) and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice & Conduct.

·Drawing up of validation protocols and the production of validation reports in compliance with KFS Quality Management System.

·Technical evaluation and refinement of existing processes and development of more efficient and robust methods.

·Support investigations into Quality Control trends when required.

·Assisting the toxicology laboratory operational workflow when required.

·Advising on and carrying out quality investigations.

·Delivering training to Toxicology analytical team when required.

Skills and Competencies

·Good understanding of drug extraction techniques, notably LLE and SPE.

·A thorough understanding of immunoassay and chromatographic techniques (such as ELISA, HS-GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD).

·Troubleshooting LC-MS/MS instrumentation, both hardware and software.

·A thorough understanding of good laboratory practice (including ISO17025 and FSR CoPC) and anti-contamination protocols is essential

·Technically minded and the ability to problem solve effectively.

·Customer focussed with demonstrable commercial acumen.

·Strong IT capability to include Microsoft Office and excel with an ability to analyse data.

·Analytical thinking, including planning and scheduling.

·Ability to work independently and prioritize workload in an effective manner

·Familiarity with AB Sciex, Thermo and/or Waters equipment

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.

·Highly motivated individual who approaches work with a positive attitude.

·Able to work on their own initiative and with exceptional attention to detail.

·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 working experience with GC-MS and/or LC/MS within a laboratory, preferably a high-throughput environment.

Terms & Conditions

· Salary - Dependant on experience

· Full Time (37 hours per week).

· 25 days holiday per annum plus statutory holidays.

· Pension – Contributory

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Cycle to Work scheme

· Retailer discounts

Location: 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 19 JULY 2024 at 11:59 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage.