Forensic Practitioner - Toxicology in Feltham

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.

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.

The Role

Contribute to the success of the department by ensuring that analyses of casework items are carried out in a timely manner to quality standards and to ensure that instruments are available and suitably checked and maintained. Practitioners are responsible for the routine analyses of casework items, peer review of analytical data and general housekeeping duties. They work under the direction of a senior scientist.

You will be able to undertake all Forensic Examiner duties if required and provide a peer review of the analytical data for at least one of the analyses undertaken in the laboratory. You will also be able to undertake routine maintenance and troubleshooting for at least one of the instruments utilised in the laboratory. You will be required to lead small method improvement projects as well as method development and validation projects. In addition to these responsibilities, you will assist with the training and mentoring of junior (Examiner and Laboratory Technician) team members.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Peer review of analytical data
• Preparation of casework samples using L/L and SPE
• Analysis 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
• 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
• Ensure laboratory records are maintained
• Ensuring analytical data conforms to quality standards and ISO17025 accreditation
• Maintain the consumable stock and promptly order any replacements
• Assist in other sections of the laboratory, when necessary
• Carry out method improvement & development projects, under the supervision of senior staff.
• Assist with training as required
• Take an active role in continuous improvement within the team

Qualifications

For this role you must have a Chemistry degree or equivalent, have strong verbal and written communication skills, and have good planning and organisational skills. You must also be adaptable, have a strong sense of accountability and integrity as well as being able to work collaboratively with a team. Previous experience in Forensic Toxicology, sample preparation techniques, instrumentation and related software, and Microsoft Office would be a benefit to the role.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience 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, Insight or Analyst software.
• IT literate including Word, Excel and Outlook.

You will demonstrate all aspects of the Eurofins core values including customer focus, quality, competence, team spirit, and integrity. You will demonstrate initiative, be proactive, enthusiastic, a strong team player, and be able to work independently whilst being responsive to direction when needed. You will have the ability to multitask and work to deadlines while managing a flexible workload and showing a high level of personal resilience. You must be willing to participate in a culture of collaboration, cooperation and continuous improvement. You will be willing to take on extra duties or responsibilities for the team/department when required.

Important Information

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, this role will require the successful candidate to achieve NPPV3 + Security Clearance (SC). To be eligible, you must have 5 years’ continuous UK residency. As part of the vetting process, you’ll be asked to provide information about your background, including your employment and address history, financial circumstances and details of close family or partners. These checks are carried out to ensure individuals accessing police data, systems and sites are trustworthy and suitable for the role.

Factors such as criminal convictions, financial difficulties or associations that may pose a risk could affect your ability to gain clearance. However, each application is assessed on an individual basis, and honesty throughout the process is essential.

Please note:

• Vetting is carried out by an external police vetting service
• Drug and alcohol testing may be required before you start and during your employment
• Ongoing employment is subject to maintaining the required level of clearance

What We Offer

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you genuine career, a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 30 days with length of service)
• Company pension scheme with up to 6% employer contribution
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family leave and sick pay
• Perkbox benefits, discounts and wellbeing support
• Cycle to Work scheme, tech scheme & volunteering days
• Holiday trading (buy/sell) scheme
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Free on-site parking (site dependant)