Forensic Examiner – (Toxicology Team) Feltham, South West England, England
Job description
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies.
In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to over 50,000 staff across a network of more than 900 independent companies in over 50 countries and operating more than 800 laboratories. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products, as well as providing innovative clinical diagnostic testing services, as one of the leading global emerging players in specialised clinical diagnostics testing.
In 2020, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 5.4 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
About Us
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.
Division
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. Offence types encountered include affray, sexual assault, causing death by dangerous driving, homicide and sudden death. The team also undertakes analyses for H M Coroner in the investigation into the cause of death. We are looking for a Forensic Examiner to join our dedicated team.
The Role
Examiners are responsible for the routine analyses of casework items and general housekeeping duties and work under the direction of a court reporting scientist and/or senior laboratory analyst.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparation of casework samples using L/L and SPE
- Analysis and processing of casework samples using HSGC-FID, GC-MS, GC-QQQ, HPLC, LC-MS/MS and HRAM
- Maintain a clean and tidy working environment within the laboratory and follow stringent anti contamination procedures
- Work according to Health and Safety requirements
- Be aware of customer requirements at all times
- Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and highlight any changes required
- Prepare and validate quality control (QC) material
- Ensure laboratory records are meticulously maintained
- Ensuring analytical data conforms to quality standards as defined by the laboratory’s accreditation
- Routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory systems and equipment
- Input data onto an internal case management system
- Maintain the consumable stock and promptly order of any replacements
- Assist in other sections of the laboratory when necessary
- Take an active role in continuous improvement within the team and work to ‘Lean’ principles.
Knowledge, experience and technical skills
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Chemistry/ Analytical Chemistry degree or equivalent
- Communication – effective verbal and written communication skills
- Accountability
- Adaptability/ flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity
- Planning and organisation
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Previous experience or background in Forensic Toxicology
- Previous experience in sample preparation techniques e.g. L/L, SPE.
- Previous experience in GC-MS, GC-QQQ or LC-MS/MS using Chemstation, Masshunter, Xcalibur or Analyst software.
- IT literate including Word, Excel and Outlook.
Person specification
- Full commitment to and demonstration of upholding Eurofins values: Customer Focus, Quality, Competence, Team Spirit and Integrity.
- Demonstrate initiative; adopt a proactive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Excellent attention to detail, well organised and determined.
- Ability to work independently whilst responsive to direction when necessary.
- Ability to cope under pressure, multitask and work to tight deadlines.
- Manage a flexible workload and show high levels of personal resilience.
- Participate in a culture of collaboration, cooperation, sharing information and teamwork.
- Participate in a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing review of processes and procedures.
- Willing and initiative to take on extra duties or responsibilities for the team/department.
Additional Information
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Permanent
Location: Feltham, UK
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
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 at least five years’ continuous residency in the UK preceding an application. Criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. In addition, successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment.
