Eurofins Scientific is a leading international group of laboratories with over EUR 2.4 billion annual sales and over 30,000 employees with a network of 375 laboratories in 41 countries.

Eurofins has a network of 16 sites in the UK and the Group provides an unparalleled range of over 100,000 reliable and validated analytical methods and support services to the pharmaceutical, food, environmental and consumer product industries, and to governments.

EFS have an established and experienced Marks and Traces (M&T) service that is centrally based at our Tamworth (UK) facility. The M&T team are responsible for the delivery of EFS’ Footwear Marks comparison service. In addition, the M&T portfolio comprises a wide range of evidential disciplines including the examination, analysis and interpretation of physical and chemical traces, such as Glass, Paint, Gunshot residue (GSR), Ignitable liquids and Fire Investigation, Fibres and Noxious Substances.

We are keen to hear from individuals that... are presently undertaking a similar role within the forensic sector or have previously held the required competencies to fulfil this role. Please note this is not an entry-level position.

As a Reporting Scientist (Footwear), you will be part of a dynamic team responsible for the creation of examination strategies, interpretation and reporting of Marks and Trace evidence types followed by the production of a Witness Statement, or equivalent, and attendance at Courts of Law, as required.

The role will be required to participate in any requirement for shift working and/or weekend rota cover (in office or on call) as business needs dictate, either on the basis of hours which are additional to the standard week or by rostering. Where this is required, appropriate rota payments will be made.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
• Adhere to all aspects of the customer Operational Protocols and Quality Manuals.
• Ensure all work is authorised and completed to contracted / agreed timescales.
• Carry out or instruct others to conduct necessary examinations / analysis as per standard operating procedures to required timescales.
• Communicate with the customer as appropriate throughout the lifetime of the case.
• Discuss findings with the customer/Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and provide scientific advice to inform case strategies.
• Produce a witness statement, or equivalent report, and attend court to deliver evidence as required requested.
• Responsibility for the day-to-day financial and administrative obligations through EFS case management systems (CLIMs) in association with the allocated case.
• Seek continual improvement of methodology and processes that will have a positive impact on quality and effectiveness.
• Coach, instruct and continually nurture junior members of staff within the discipline(s).

What We Are Looking For
• Flexibility to assist in covering planned or un-planned absences within the team (e.g., illness, annual leave, court attendance etc.) to ensure the needs of the customer are met.
• Communicate proactively and effectively to ensure customer expectations are understood and delivered, including scientific aspects in addition to authorisation / financial obligations and delivery dates.
• Maintains clear communications with customers, clarifying expectations and monitoring satisfaction levels.
• Viewing problems and opportunities from a customer perspective. Seeking information about the real underlying needs of the customer beyond those expressed initially.
• Delivery of work to high quality and to required timeframes.
• Positively contribute to the success of the wider team.
• Communicate and work well with others (within the team, with other departments / sites or external associates) focussing on a collective rather than individual goals.
• Demonstrate initiative, adopting a pro-active attitude to continuous improvement within the areas of science, quality and efficiency.
• Act as a role model for the examination and analytical staff.

Behaviours
• Be responsible for the understanding and application of the standard operating procedures, customer operating protocols and validation / verification documents.
• Confident public speaker.
• Exhibit high levels of accuracy and integrity (scientifically, within the quality area).
• Proactive and enthusiastic attitude with a demonstrable commitment to delivering excellent customer service and continual improvement.
• Demonstrates initiative; adopts a proactive and enthusiastic attitude and demonstrates commitment.
• Able to manage a flexible workload, self-motivated and high performing.
• Showing resilience and tenacity to deal with the pressures of a high throughput laboratory with changing priorities.
• Has high levels of concentration, excellent attention to detail, accuracy and reliability; excellent record keeping.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with customers and colleagues at all levels.
• Responds positively to change.
• It is vital to be able to explain complex scientific concepts or procedures to non-scientists (verbally and in writing).

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills
• Industry experience as a Forensic Scientist in the discipline of Footwear Mark / Impression evidence or other associated marks, including comparison of marks and evaluation of association between footwear and crime scene marks, or;
• Extensive, demonstrable experience gained through academia in this discipline, such as research and/or production of a post-graduate thesis specifically relating to Footwear-type marks evidence.
• Awareness of other evidence types within the M&T portfolio.
• A relevant, recognised scientific degree.
• Proven ability to deliver workloads on time and to a high standard.
• Ability to seek and strive to attain continuous improvement and can embrace change.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills
• Extensive industry experience in the forensic science sector as an expert witness, particularly in the discipline of Footwear Mark / Impression evidence.
• Advanced photographic skills including the use of various image capture techniques, application of light sources and post-capture enhancement skills, using a suite of photographic software.
• Demonstrable experience of other evidence types within the M&T remit or wider Eurofins Forensic group, such as DNA and Body Fluids.
• Court experience, preferably with attendance at an expert witness training course.
• Research experience including technical writing.
• Method development and experience in validation of methods under ISO 17025 framework.

Salary: Competitive

Location: Tamworth

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. This role may in addition require random alcohol/drug screening.

Due to the nature of the work we undertake on-site, you must inform us if you come into contact with any firearms or ammunition through work or any other reason as there will be precautions you will need to take in order to enter the premises. This also applies to persons involved in clay pigeon shooting, and those who regularly use any cartridge based tools such as nail/stud guns. Please provide details on your application
Tamworth UK

Salary Criteria