Forensic Drugs Reporter

Eurofins Scientific SE; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated forensic analyst to join its advanced forensic services team. In this role, you will analyze substances suspected of being drugs, ensuring adherence to strict quality protocols and legal standards. You will be responsible for producing detailed reports, mentoring junior staff, and continuously improving methodologies. This position offers genuine career progression, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including life assurance and a company pension plan. If you're passionate about forensic science and eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)

Company Pension Plan

Learning and Professional study support

25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays

Employee Length of Service Rewards

Employee Tech Scheme

Discount vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme 24/7

Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory-based experience in a scientific capacity.
• Familiarity with standard and less common drugs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct examination/analysis of exhibits following SOPs.
• Write statements or reports for court.
• Mentor and advise junior staff in best practices.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment

Knowledge of relevant drugs legislation

Ability to write own witness statements

Education

Recognised qualification in a relevant scientific subject

Job description

Eurofins Scientific is a leading international group of laboratories with over EUR 6.95 billion annual sales and over 63,000 employees with a network of 950 laboratories in 60 countries.

Eurofins has a network of 16 sites in the UK and the Group provides an unparalleled range of over 200,000 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.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To analyse substances suspected of being or containing drugs controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and other associated legislation. To produce Witness Statements and to attend Courts of Law, if required.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Conduct examination/analysis of exhibits following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) whilst working within own documented competencies and to required timescales.
• Always adhere to all customer Operational Protocols and the Eurofins Quality Manual.
• Ensure all notes are accurate, contemporaneous and signed/dated as per SOP’s.
• Be responsible for the integrity and continuity of exhibits while under ownership.
• Communicate with other team members throughout the lifetime of the case.
• Design individual case examination/analysis strategies for more complex cases.
• Instruct others to do the same, if appropriate, and check results of their work.
• Discuss findings with investigators/CPS.
• Write statements or reports for court.
• Coach and mentor more junior reporters and other junior staff.
• Mentor and advise junior staff in best practice and highlight any quality deficiencies to appropriate team members.
• Offer sound advice to customers through training or direct contact.
• Seek continual improvement of methodology and processes and discuss with senior team members.
• Recognise potential quality and Health and Safety issues arising during examinations and raise at the earliest opportunity.
• Carry out laboratory cleaning where required.
• Fully adhere to the Forensic Regulators Codes of Practice.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

Required

• A recognised qualification in a relevant scientific subject.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Previous experience, preferably laboratory-based, in a scientific capacity.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, challenging environment.
• Fully trained and competent in the examination of standard drug items.
• Familiarity with less common drugs.
• Ability to write own witness statements.
• Knowledge of relevant drugs legislation.
• Understanding and acceptance of the requirement for full adherence to the Forensic Regulators Code of Practice.

Additional Information

Company Benefits

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you genuine career and salary progression through our Career Pathways programme, a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work scheme, give as you earn, volunteering days,purchase & sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance(3 times annual salary)
• Company Pension Plan
• Learning and Professional study support
• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing to a maximum of 30 days
• Employee Length of Service Rewards and YearlyRecognition Schemes
• Celebrating work anniversaries here at EFS with lots to offer includingemployee core value badges
• Employee Tech Scheme
• Discount vouchers and Flexi reward points on our employee wellness hub
• Everyone who joins our team also gets access to Perk box, allowing you to save money all year round. Whether its supermarket savings or days out, the daily coffee or a summer holiday – there’s something to suit everyone’s lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme24/7
• Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternitypay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to mental health support and wellbeing

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Security clearance is undertaken by a third party to police personnel vetting standards (NPPV/3 and SC), as such any criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/police-forces/warwickshire-police/areas/warwickshire-police/about-us/about-us/police-national-vetting-service/ . In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment.

The organisation 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 organisations applicant privacy notice.