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.

Role Summary

To provide strong and focused technical and operational support, working as part of the Toxicology Analytical Team.

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 (but not limited to) mentoring of junior staff, instrumentation maintenance and trouble-shooting.

Duties & Responsibilities

Working under the instruction of the Analytical Team Leader and/or Analytical Shift Supervisor, the Technical Specialist will be responsible for:

• Ensuring equipment is maintained to specific schedules and monitoring the functioning of the equipment according to SOPs, recognising any problems and taking prompt remedial action to minimise equipment downtime.
• Calibrating equipment and instrumentation according to SOPs and ensuring up to date records are maintained.
• Interpret the data and prepare results to contribute to reports.
• Assisting the toxicology laboratory operational workflow when required.
• To support the team in a multitude of areas where required, including but not limited to, sample examination and extractions.
• Following anti-contamination procedures as appropriate and ensuring work areas are clean and orderly.
• The appropriate handling and recording of the drug reference standards in compliance with the laboratory’s Home Office controlled drug licence.
• Delivering training to junior analytical team members when required.
• Monitoring and investigating Quality Control trend analysis, bias and failures and completing limit reviews when required.
• Advising on and carrying out quality investigations.
• Providing assistance to the Toxicology Research and Development where required.

Skills & Competencies

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

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

Maintaining and 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

Methodical analytical thinking to provide scientific expertise with the field

Technically minded and the ability to problem solve effectively across multiple types of instrumentation.

Customer focussed with demonstrable commercial acumen.

Strong IT capability to include Microsoft Office and excel with an ability to analyse data using processing software and LIMS.

Analytically thinking with the ability to independently organise and prioritise resources/workload in an efficient 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.

Understands the importance of the customer and contractual tender requirements.

High level of honesty and integrity and takes accountability for own actions.

Strong work ethic and commitment to continual self-improvement and personal excellence by maintaining/updating knowledge and expertise through own scientific research.

Strong personal skills and a proven ability to work within a team including a flexible approach, communication skills, developed interpersonal skills, positive attitude and a willingness to support/mentor others.

Exceptional attention to detail when working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Uses own initiative to achieve timely completion of work.

Ability to work methodically and reliably under pressure.

Qualifications

• Minimum of A level or equivalent in a scientific subject

Experience

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

Terms & Conditions

• Hours – 37 per week
• Location - Warrington
• Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays
• Pension – Contributory
• Closing Date: 11th June 2021