Toxicology Reporter - Science Consultant 2 (Drug Driving)

Hampshire Scientific Service is an innovative collaboration between Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Our aim is to apply forensic scientific expertise to protect public health and help deliver forensic enforcement in Hampshire.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Toxicologist to be a senior member of our Toxicology team based in our laboratory in Southsea. As a key member of the team, you will deliver high‑quality scientific interpretation, analysis and reporting for section 5A drug driving and Coroners toxicology, support clients and contribute to the safe and effective delivery of our analytical services.

Team members are expected to learn and participate in a variety of techniques that include both section 5A drug driving analysis and postmortem Coroners analysis. This role is ideal for those interested in improving their wider toxicology expertise and chromatography skills whilst maintaining their status as an expert witness.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the technical delivery of drug driving analysis, ensuring robust processes, continuous improvement and ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Provide expert scientific advice, interpret complex data and produce clear, accurate scientific reports in line with the Forensic Codes.
• Act as an expert witness for Section 5A drug‑driving cases, keeping up to date with relevant scientific, legal and technological developments.
• Report toxicology findings for the Coroner.
• Apply in depth knowledge of analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMSMS) and Gas Chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), as well as extraction techniques to troubleshoot, develop methods and validate them to meet the requirements of appropriate legislation and maintain our scope of accreditation.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in Chemistry or other relevant science subject with A-level chemistry.
• Good communication, attention to detail and organisational skills.
• A team player who cares about their work.
• Someone who is careful, consistent and able to keep things confidential.
• Someone who enjoys variety in their day and can adapt easily when priorities shift.
• A positive, open attitude toward continuous learning and constructive scientific discussion.

You will be comfortable working in a scientific laboratory extracting biological fluids, drugs, and unknown chemicals. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in reporting of drug driving samples and/or Toxicology samples with proven experience of giving evidence in court as an expert witness, whilst staying up to date with the latest legislation and guidance.

You will also be enthusiastic about working in a forensic environment, an expert in your field willing to widen your expertise in a small, experienced team of scientists. Full training will be provided in all aspects of the job.

The successful applicant will be required to have immunisations appropriate for working in a forensic unit that handles biological samples. Applicants with allergies should be aware that large volumes of nuts and other food products are processed in the laboratory.

Why join us?

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Additional Information:

This post is subject to Non-Police Personnel Vetting. Further information about this process will be provided to successful candidates. Candidates must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years in order for clearance to be obtained.

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.