Company Description

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.

Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS) laboratories are amongst the most advanced analytical facilities in Europe, enabling the company to offer a complete and comprehensive range of independent and innovative forensic testing solutions to police forces, legal and criminal justice organisations throughout the UK and Europe.

EFS DNA laboratories, located in Birchwood Park, serve multiple customers and are continuously working to develop new DNA technologies for forensics. An extended range of forensic DNA techniques is offered covering all routine and specialist analyses, available on demand. The PACE laboratory provides rapid, cost-effective DNA profiling of reference samples, with results loaded to the National DNA Database or made available to Reporting Officers for comparison. The DNA Crime Stain team carries out DNA profiling from a wide range of sample types to assist in investigations. Our services are noted for exceptionally high success rates, rapid turnaround times and competitive pricing.

Job Description

Salary:                        Competitive

Location:                    Birchwood Park       

Contract:                    Permanent

Hours:                        37.5pw (see below for hours)

Closing date:             3rd May 2024

The Role

The role holder will be responsible for carrying out the interpretation of DNA profiling results and reporting of results to customers via relevant methods. In addition to interpretation, training in relevant addendum tasks when required.

The role holder will be required to undertake a shift rota, working the following:

Saturdays – 1 in 4 week rotation

Immediate Monday off as lieu

Shift Allowance paid

Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to all aspects of the customer Operational Protocol and EFS Quality Manual.
• Carry out necessary interpretation as per standard operating procedures to the required timescales and level of quality.
• Ensure all notes are contemporaneous, signed and dated as per standard operating procedures.
• Be responsible for the integrity and continuity of exhibits (including their return) while under their ownership.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• No previous competence in DNA interpretation required
• Minimum qualifications of GCSEs in English, Maths and Science
• Embraces change and continuous improvement
• Proven communication skills both written and verbal

• Demonstrate initiative; adopting a pro-active attitude to continuous improvement within the areas of science, quality and efficiency.
• Must display patience, determination, attention to detail and integrity at all times and see tasks through from start to finish.
• Exhibit high levels of concentration, accuracy and reliability (scientifically and within the quality area).
• Able to work well on your own as well as part of a team.

Full training will be provided

• An understanding of the requirements of UKAS and the Forensic Regulator.
• Demonstrate skills to auditors as and when required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to the required Customer Operational Protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Management System, Health & Safety documents and CPS requirements.
• Ownership of an individual training logs and PCR document to ensure competence is gained, maintained and demonstrated.

Person Specification

There are four values on which Eurofins Forensic Services is founded; Customer Focus, Quality, Competence & Team Spirit and Integrity.

• Operates within the company’s core values and demonstrates these values daily
• Proactive and enthusiastic attitude with a demonstrable commitment to customer service
• Demonstrates initiative; a proactive, committed and enthusiastic attitude
• Able to manage flexible workload
• Shows resilience and tenacity in a high throughput laboratory with changing priorities
• High levels of concentration, vigilance and excellent record keeping
• Good team player
• Excellent interpersonal skills with interactions at all levels
• Embraces CI and respond positively to change

Required Behaviours

• Flexibility to assist in covering planned or un-planned absences within both the PQ and wider DNA centre (e.g. illness, annual leave etc.) to ensure the needs of the customer are met.
• Ability to maintain competence in previous trained areas
• Maintain clear communications with colleagues, clarifying expectations and monitoring satisfaction levels.
• Viewing problems and opportunities from a customer perspective.
• Communicate and work well with others (within the team, with other departments / sites or external associates) focussing on a collective rather than individual goal.

Additional Information

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance will be 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.

The organization treats personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with its data protection policy.  Information about how your data is used and the basis for processing your data is provided in the organizations applicant privacy notice.