DNA Analyst

Metropolitan Police; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Police Service in Lambeth is seeking a DNA Analyst to join the Forensic DNA team. You will perform DNA analysis, item examination, and interpretation to support investigations, while maintaining databases and contributing to quality systems.

Role involves 24/7 Secure Operations support, on-call duties, and collaboration with colleagues. A relevant degree and at least one year of DNA experience are required, along with security vetting and a driving licence.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant laboratory science subject (e.g., Biology/Forensic Science).
• At least one year of experience as a forensic DNA Analyst or equivalent.
• Must be willing to undergo security checks and comply with national standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain DNA databases and interpret intelligence.
• Conduct DNA analysis and item examination of casework exhibits.
• Assist in development of SOPs to meet accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to quality assurance and audits within the Directorate.
• Support Secure Operations and on-call duties as required.
• Train police officers and staff on DNA collection and submission.

Skills

DNA analysis

Data analysis

Excel / MS Office

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Biology/Forensic Science

Tools

DNA databases

Office software (Excel/Word)

Job description

Salary

The starting salary is £36,228, which includes allowances totalling £3,009.

The salary is broken down as £ 33,219 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £35,541. Plus, a location allowance of £2,009 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location

Lambeth

Role Description

DNA Analysts will work in one or more of the following areas:

• Item examination, DNA analysis and/or interpretation of DNA results
• Counter Terrorism DNA Database use and maintenance
• Prum DNA Database use and maintenance

DNA Analysts will assist Forensic Scientists to assess simple possible DNA matches and report factual findings in accordance with Criminal Justice requirements; conduct item examination; and/or carry out DNA analysis.

Supports the 24/7 service provided by Secure Operations and participates in the on-call out of hours provision for Secure Operations, where required.

Active participation in projects and collaboration with colleagues.

Conditions of Role Confirmation

• Must provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for inclusion on the Staff Elimination databases.
• Must indicate agreement to abide by Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice
• Must be willing to support the 24/7 service provided by Secure Operations and participate in the on-call out of hours provision for Secure Operations, if required. The on call provision operates on a rota system and should not be more frequent than an average of one week in every six weeks.

Key Activities

One or more of the following depending on previous experience and operational need:

• Operate and maintain DNA databases and interpret intelligence based on current procedures
• Conduct DNA analysis
• Conduct item examination of simple casework exhibits
• 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.
• Work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance activities; conducting and engaging in internal and external audits, competence and proficiency tests; reporting non-conformances; and introducing process changes to improve the system.
• Contribute to activities within Secure Operations Forensic Services in order to maintain accreditation in all existing areas of scope (for example UKAS 17025 accreditation
• Assist in the development and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures to meet the requirements of accreditation.
• Assist in identifying and report on DNA matches in line with the UK Criminal Justice System (CJS) and other regulatory bodies
• Maintain and develop knowledge, skills and competence to ensure these are up to date and meet the demands of employment and service provision.
• Participate in regular laboratory cleaning to maintain a DNA clean environment.
• Conduct general office and administrative duties to support the different areas of the team.
• Support and assist the DNA Forensic (Reporting) Scientists, DNA Senior Forensic Scientists and the DNA Services Consultant to develop databases, systems, processes and procedures as appropriate.
• Assist in the training of police officers and MPS staff at all levels on appropriate and up-to-date methods of DNA collection, retention and submission. They may also assist in developing awareness training for all staff on DNA services available to them and ensure MPS officers and staff, understand the policy on optimal DNA recovery and submission.
• Undertake internal Emergency Life Saving (ELS) training and maintain competency.
• On occasion you may be asked to travel domestically and overseas to support business needs.

There are two fixed term vacancies available, which will end on 31/03/2028. After initial selection all other successful candidates will be placed on a fixed 12 month select list and will be offered available vacancies as they arise during this period. After 12 months any future vacancies will be readvertised and candidates will be expected to reapply.

Additional Information

This role does not attract Shift Disturbance Allowance. If you are currently in a shift-working role, SDA should cease upon appointment to this job.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Following Application Review, Successful Candidates Will Be Invited to Interview

• Must hold a degree in a relevant laboratory science subject, such as Biology, Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry this list is not exhaustive.
• Must have at least one year’s experience of working as a forensic DNA Analyst or equivalent
• Must hold a driving licence which must have been held for a year, meet UK DVLA standards, be full, manual, clean and valid, as they will be expected to undertake a Met driving test.

Knowledge and Skills

• Have good knowledge of forensic science and/or data analysis.
• Be able to process large amounts of data using relevant software packages such as Excel, Word and other elements of MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to liaise effectively with staff of all grades, other forensic practitioners within the Directorate, police officers, external stakeholders and external forensic professionals.
• Be able to interpret information and be capable of making sound decisions based on defined procedures and precedents.
• Operate effectively in a high pressure environment.
• Have an awareness of data protection and information security.
• Have an awareness of the ethics around the uses of DNA analysis.

The following competencies will be tested against during sift

• We take ownership at level 1
• We collaborateat level1

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If youneed any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about police fitness standards .