Toxicology Technical Specialist - Warrington, United Kingdom - Key Forensic Services

Key Forensic Services

Verified Company

Warrington, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

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.

Position:

Purpose of Role

To provide strong and focused technical and operational support, working alongside and in conjunction with the Toxicology analytical team and team lead.

Role Summary
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 instrumentation maintenance and trouble
- shooting, validation work and the implementation of new methods.

Duties and Responsibilities
Working under the instruction of the Analytical Team Leader and/or Shift Supervisor, the Toxicology 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 anticontamination 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.

Requirements:

Skills and Competencies

Good understanding of drug extraction techniques, notably LLE and SPE.
Good understanding of immunoassay and chromatographic techniques (such as ELISA, HS-GCFID, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD).
A thorough understanding of good laboratory practice (including ISO17025 and FSR CoPC) and anticontamination protocols is essential
Technically minded and the ability to problem solve effectively.
Customer focussed with demonstrable commercial acumen.
Strong IT capability to include Microsoft Office and excel with an ability to analyse data.
Analytical thinking, including planning and scheduling.

Personal Attributes

Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of casework in the context of the Criminal Justice System.
Highly motivated individual who approaches work with a positive attitude.
Able to work on their own initiative and with exceptional attention to detail.
Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
High level of honesty and integrity.
Strong work ethic and commitment.
Team player and willingness to support engage & motivate others.
Professional business disposition and of smart appearance.
Willingness to work flexibly in response to business requirements

Qualifications

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

Other information:

The role is full time (37 hours per week) and based at our laboratory in 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.
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
20 May 2023 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage.