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Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Salary: £25,803 to £27,735 plus a Location allowance of £1,721. You will receive £25,803 the band minimum. Progress to the band maximum of £27,735 will be via incremental progression.

Location: Lambeth HQ

Forensic Services

As an integral part of the Metropolitan Police Service, Forensic Services contributes significantly to making London safer through a wide range of technical and scientific expertise in order to investigate, detect and reduce crimes. Forensic Services is the largest multi-faceted forensic organisation within Policing within England and Wales, providing technical and scientific expertise in crime scene management and examination, specialist imaging, evidence recovery, exhibit analysis, fingerprint comparison and digital examination.

Physical Forensics delivers forensic science casework across a number of disciplines (including Specialist Imaging, Biology and Trace, Firearms, Fingerprint Enhancement & Fingerprint bureau) to the MPS in support of policing objectives to address investigative requirements and provide forensic evidence to the criminal justice system. The range of forensic services includes the recovery and enhancement of fingerprints and footwear marks, the identification and recovery of body fluid stains, blood pattern analysis (both within the laboratory and at scenes of crime) and submission for DNA profiling.

Biology & Trace - this unit is made up of forensic examiners and scientists, searching items for blood and other body fluids, cellular material (DNA) and undertaking dual submissions (fingerprint / DNA examinations), conducted in accredited laboratory conditions and during specialist deployment to crime scenes. Our expert scientists can interpret this evidence in the context of the case to support investigations and the justice process.

The Role

A Laboratory Technician provides a service to the Physical Science laboratories and supports the functioning of the scientists/practitioners and the laboratory.

This role could suit someone who already has experience of working within a laboratory environment, or a school leaver who has studied science to GCSE level or equivalent. It is not necessary to have studied Forensic Science and a degree is not required as full training will be provided.

Key Activities

• Work using different chemicals and equipment. Choose and prepare the correct chemical reagents required for use in the DNA search, Fingerprint Development and Firearms laboratories and for use at crime scenes, including the use and disposal of them correctly and safely.
• Assist with the routine maintenance, cleaning, disinfecting and calibration of laboratory equipment, used for laboratory investigations. Complete these activities in accordance with approved procedures and practices and carry out all necessary preparations within the scope of responsibility.
• Follow DNA clean room procedures within the laboratory environment, in accordance with approved practices. Be responsible for weekly routine cleaning and monthly deep cleaning of the laboratories and conduct environmental monitoring tests.
• Maintain and control stocks of all resources, equipment and consumables for workplace/crime scene scientific or technical activities in line with current procedures and processes. Carry out equipment audits as required.
• Create new case files, complete data entry onto case management systems, file retrieval and storage and other associated administrative tasks.
• Understand and accept the core principles set out in the H&S Policy in relation to your role, duties and responsibilities and implement those principles and requirements in day-to-day activities.
• Expected to work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance activities, engaging in internal and external audits, competence and proficiency tests, reporting non-conformances and proposing changes to improve the system.

Please click on the below link to view an online candidate information pack that will you give you an insight into the Met, the competency framework we use which shapes our daily work behaviours, the application process and a host of other information, that will help inform and support your application:

https://sscl-innovation.com/MPScandidatepack/

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a online application form.

Completed applications must be submitted by 6th April 2023.

We view diversity as fundamental to our success. To tackle today’s complex policing challenges, we need a workforce made up from all of London’s communities. Applications from across the community are therefore essential.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer the Met have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

Essential For The Role, e.g. qualifications, licenses, languages, training

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• GSCE (A-C) (or equivalent) in Science and Maths.
• A basic understanding of Health and Safety principles and good lab practice is desirable.
• No previous skills required.
• A sound understanding of the principles of forensic science is desirable

Additional Information

• Must provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for inclusion on the Staff Elimination databases.
• Working hours will be in support of core work performed by Biology and Trace, Fingerprint Enhancement Laboratory, Firearms unit and may involve hours between 8am and 6 pm weekdays depending on operational requirements.

The initial assessment process will comprise an application which will be assessed against the following MPS value and CVF elements:

• We are collaborative (level 1)
• We analyse critically (level 1)
• Professionalism

Those successful at the paper-sift stage will be invited to attend an interview which will comprise a short exercise and a question-based interview which will be assessed against the following CVF elements:

• We deliver, support and inspire (level 1)
• We are innovative and open minded (level 1)
• We take ownership (level 1)
• We are emotionally aware (level 1)