Trainee Reporting Manager (Toxicology)

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.

Responsible for the case assessment, management and interpretation of road traffic forensic toxicology casework and the provision of expert witness testimony. This is an exceptional career development opportunity. You will be trained on the job by working alongside existing experienced Reporting and Analytical Forensic Toxicologists. Day-to-day responsibilities will involve reporting toxicology cases associated with the Road Traffic Act 1988 (drink and drug driving). Dependent on business requirements, it is possible that over time and following a period of close supervision and competency assessments, that this role will lead to the involvement in more complex toxicology casework.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Effective management of resources, including a personal case load.
• Ensures all road traffic cases are delivered well in advance of their 6-month statutory time limit.
• Sets an appropriate forensic strategy which addresses the case requirements and translates this strategy into clear, appropriate instructions for the toxicology analytical section to follow.
• Reviews, collates and interprets toxicological findings in the context of the case and considers alternative explanations.
• Formulates meaningful, succinct conclusions to analytical findings and prepares clear, well-structured and unbiased reports.
• Attends Court and provides oral expert witness testimony in a clear, intelligible and even-handed way.
• Adheres to the FSR Code of Practice.
• Adheres to quality control procedures and works within the Key Forensic Services’ ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited quality system.
• Liaises with other departments where appropriate.
• Proactively ensures and maintains continued professional development to improve forensic toxicology knowledge and interpretative skills.
• Supports the analytical toxicology section where appropriate, including the examination of biological specimens when required.

Skills and Competencies

• Understands the importance of the customer and contractual tender requirements.
• Knowledge of the application of toxicology to a wider range of forensic investigations is desirable.
• Good knowledge of the analytical techniques utilised by the analytical toxicology section.
• Good IT skills and proficient using Microsoft Word/Excel.

Personal Attributes

• High level of honesty and integrity and takes responsibility for own actions.
• Strong work ethic, commitment and able to deal with confidential and sensitive information.
• Team player with well-developed interpersonal skills, who has a positive, enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to support and share information with others.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a flexible approach to work with adept problem-solving skills and able to work methodically and reliably under pressure to ensure customer/contractual deadlines are met.
• Professional business disposition and of smart appearance.

Qualifications/Experience

• Educated to a minimum BSc. Second Class Honours degree level (preferably in toxicology, chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry or forensic science).
• Prior experience in analytical forensic toxicology is desirable.

Terms & Conditions

• Salary – Competitive
• Hours – 37 per week
• Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays (pro rated) if applicable
• 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. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A VALID RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK DOCUMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

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 9 February 2026 at 17:30 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage. Please note: due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard back from us within 4 weeks of the closing date please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.