Trainee Reporting Scientist

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.  We are looking for a Forensic Reporter to join our dedicated Road Traffic Reporting Team.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Undertake training in case type/s agreed with mentor/line manager
• Undertake training to report at least one case type (Section 5 or 5A) in line with the Road Traffic Act 1988, as agreed with mentor/line manager.
• Attend court to give expert testimony following completion of expert witness training.
• Receive mentoring to develop appropriate case strategies, manage caseload effectively, and ensure quality and cost‑effective approaches.
• Work within all Standard Operating Procedures, the customer Operational Protocol, Quality Manual, and company policies.
• Ensure all work (including sub‑contractor work) is authorised, completed within agreed timescales, and delivered within estimated costs where applicable.
• Ensure all critical findings are checked in line with standard operating procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the customer throughout each case, covering scientific matters, quality considerations, authorisation/financial obligations, and delivery timelines.
• Support reporters with their caseloads by drafting statements and assisting with results where appropriate.
• Seek continual improvement of methodologies, processes, and practices to enhance quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain awareness of laboratory and reporting quality requirements.
• Provide support to the analytical section as appropriate.

• Sufficient laboratory experience to identify and understand the issues likely to arise in the types of cases processed, in both scientific and case management terms.
• Good understanding of the principle behind the analytical techniques used for Road Traffic cases.
• Good general business awareness and solid understanding of the various requirements of customers.
• Science based degree.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Fully trained and competent in analysis of standard Toxicology sample types, e.g. blood, urine, whether practical or theoretical.
• Fully trained and competent in analysis/interpretation of results containing common and less common drug types, whether practical or theoretical.
• Previous experience of working in a busy laboratory environment.

Behaviours

• Must display patience, determination, attention to detail and integrity at all times.
• Able to manage a flexible workload; show good organisational skills and high levels of personal resilience with the ability to work to deadlines under pressure.
• Maintains clear communications with customers, clarifying expectations and monitoring satisfaction levels.
• Communicate and work co-operatively with others (within the team, with other departments / sites or external associates) focussing on a collective rather than individual goal.
• Demonstrate initiative; adopting a pro-active attitude to continuous improvement within the areas of science, quality and efficiency.
• Willing to take on extra duties or responsibilities for the team/department.

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

Further information on the NPPV3 + SC vetting clearance process can be found here.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, 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)