Forensic Microbiologist / Biologist

Locations – London preferred, but could be based in Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, Basingstoke, Kenilworth, Leeds and Stevenage with training in London (3‑6 months).

We presently have vacancies for Forensic Microbiologist/ Biology Expert to undertake forensic investigations on a wide range of incidents and accidents. They are interested in candidates with exposure to agricultural microbiology, cargo spoilage, and broader industrial biology environments, not DNA sequencing, medical, or pharmaceutical-based biology.

These investigations will usually be undertaken for insurance related purposes, including international insurers, loss adjusters, solicitors, marine Protection and Indemnity clubs and insurance brokers. They require clear and accurate technical advice regarding the cause of the incident or accident and assistance with determining liability, sometimes at very short notice.

The Role

One attraction of this role is that you will typically be responsible for seeing a technical investigation through from beginning to end from initially collecting the evidence on site to preparing the final technical report and ultimately giving expert evidence in Court. Your work will often require you to visit the location of an incident, to record and gather evidence. The work will often require you to examine and analyse physical evidence in a laboratory environment – They feel you could also be trained on Fire and Explosion investigations too, whilst training.

Overview of the various aspects of the job:

• Conducting site-based investigations to record and gather the available physical evidence.
• Dealing with various contaminations.
• Investigating contamination and corrosion problems within various industries.
• Investigating fungal matters in domestic or industrial properties.
• Identifying industrial microbiological contamination problems.
• Investigating numerous microbiological cases.
• Investigations regarding losses involving perishable cargoes, such as soybeans, grains or raw materials.
• Investigating health risks such as Legionnaires’ disease, as one example.
• Obtaining details regarding the background and circumstances surrounding the incident by interviewing individuals associated with the incident.
• Consulting relevant standards, regulations, and other published guidance.
• Undertaking technical literature reviews.
• Providing the client with timely preliminary verbal and/or written advice in a form that can be readily understood by a layperson and ultimately a Judge.
• Preparing reports that may be in the form of a brief letter style report or in the form of a detailed, illustrated report for Court proceedings.
• Attending client meetings to discuss your investigation.
• Meetings with experts appointed by the other involved parties as part of the litigation process.
• Providing expert witness evidence in Court, which will involve being questioned in depth by a Barrister, who will be briefed by a technical expert.

Their Requirements

The position is a technically demanding, challenging and most rewarding role requiring not only a thorough understanding of the nature and behaviour of your discipline, but also a strong scientific / engineering knowledge base. Ideally you will have the following:

• Biological or sciences undergraduate degree.
• Several years of postgraduate experience, preferably in an industrial environment.
• An aptitude and enthusiasm for problem solving.
• Self‑motivated and able to work effectively under pressure.
• A practical ability in addition to a strong academic record.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing, to others less informed than yourself.
• Be prepared to provide expert witness evidence in Court when required.

Package

Highly competitive starting salary, unparalleled prospects, five weeks holiday, contributory pension schemes, medical insurance. Where appropriate, a relocation package is available. London Office appointment has London weighting.

Charles Francis Cooper celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.