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.

Please read the requirements of the job carefully as your application will be measured against them. Please ensure you have the experience we are looking for. This is a specialist role and as such we will only shortlist those with the relevant experience and attributes.

A supervisory and operational role; providing line management and day to day operational support to the team. This role focuses on quality and efficiency driven by the ever increasing demands of the business and our customers.

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 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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Working under the instruction of the Head of Analytical Toxicology and the Laboratory Manager, the Shift Supervisor will be responsible for:

·To maintain and improve the quality of work carried out by analysts within the toxicology team to minimise quality failures and ensure the delivery of high quality results to customers.

·To supervise a small team within the analytical team to ensure the timely delivery of results in line with customer requirements and Key Performance Indicators set by the Team leader.

·To manage a small team of analysts including their line management, training and mentoring. Carry out regular appraisals with the team, setting realistic and timely objectives in line with business requirements.

·Motivate and inspire team members through effective people management, maintain professional and productive relationships with other KFS staff.

·Act with integrity at all times, particularly when dealing with personal issues affecting team members and sensitive casework.

·Support and assist the Reporting Managers with reference to service delivery and technical issues. Promote good relationships with the Reporting Managers within the analytical team.

·Maintain professional and productive relationships with all members of staff.

·Interpret the data prepare and check results to contribute to reports.

·Assisting the toxicology laboratory operational workflow when required in a multitude of areas where required, including but not limited to, sample examination and extractions.

·Following anti-contamination 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.

·Advising on and carrying out quality investigations.

Monitoring and investigating Quality Control trend analysis, bias and failures and completing limit reviews when required.

Skills & Competencies:

·An awareness of drug extraction techniques, notably PP, LLE and SPE; laboratory experience is desirable.

·An awareness of immunoassay and chromatographic techniques (such as ELISA, HS-GC-FID, LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD). Experience of operating immunoassay analyser, HS-GC-FID, LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD instruments is desirable.

·Must be willing to take on a high level of responsibility.

·A thorough understanding of good laboratory practice and anti-contamination protocols is essential.

·A thorough understanding of good laboratory practice (including ISO17025 and FSR CoPC) and anti-contamination protocols is essential

·Methodical analytical thinking to provide scientific expertise with the field

·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 using processing software and LIMS.

Analytically thinking with the ability to independently organise and prioritise resources/workload in an efficient manner.

Personal Attributes:

Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of casework in the context of the Criminal Justice System and the Codes of Practice of the Forensic Science Regulator.

Understands the importance of the customer and contractual tender requirements.

High level of honesty and integrity and takes accountability for own actions.

Strong work ethic and commitment to continual self-improvement and personal excellence by maintaining/updating knowledge and expertise through own scientific research.

Strong personal skills and a proven ability to work within a team including a flexible approach, communication skills, developed interpersonal skills, positive attitude and a willingness to support/mentor others.

Exceptional attention to detail when working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Uses own initiative to achieve timely completion of work.

Ability to work methodically and reliably under pressure.

Proactive in maintaining continual professional development where appropriate.

Qualifications:

Minimum of A level or equivalent in a scientific subject

Experience:

Previous working experience within a laboratory, preferably a high-throughput environment.

Full Time

Salary from £25,000 per annum

Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays (pro rata)

Pension – Contributory

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Retailer discounts

Location: 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. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A VALID RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK DOCUMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

KFS is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our work force. 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 23/05/2025 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage.