S3 - Forensic Laboratory Assistant

Cheshire Constabulary; Winsford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire Constabulary seeks a Forensic Laboratory Assistant at Force Headquarters, Winsford, to join a small team supporting investigations and maintaining high laboratory standards under ISO17025.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, you will follow SOPs, assist with diverse casework, and keep meticulous records while showing attention to detail, clear communication and reliability in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Educated to Level 3 with a science-based subject.

Responsibilities

• Support investigations team to aid in casework.
• Work to SOPs and ISO17025 standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Communication

Motivation

Proactive

Methodical under pressure

Adaptable

Independent work

Forensic interest

Education

Level 3 science subject

Job description

S3 - Forensic Laboratory Assistant

Role type
Police Staff

Contract duration
Permanent

Contract type
Full Time

Business Area
Crime

Department
Major Crime

Location
Force Headquarters, Winsford

Scale
SC 3

Salary
£25,950 - £26,703

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

Hours per week
37

Closing Date
02/11/2026, 23:55

An exciting opportunity to join the Cheshire Constabulary Forensic Laboratory as a Forensic Laboratory Assistant has arisen. This is a rare opportunity to enter a unique and very rewarding profession in which the variety and nature of work is extremely diverse. Due to the ever-changing challenges of policing, the laboratory is continually looking at new and improved methods to assist with these techniques, meaning that the role is constantly evolving.

Reporting to the Forensic Laboratory Manager, you will work within a small team to provide an excellent service to both the Forensic Investigations Department and Investigating Officers, with an end goal of helping to detect crime and keep Cheshire safe.

Working to Standard Operating Procedures and International Standards including ISO17025, you will support Laboratory Staff in their day-to-day activities to further investigations of a wide range of crimes.

• meticulous attention to detail, good concentration and accurate record keeping skills
• excellent communication skills both verbally and electronically
• a high level of motivation with a positive attitude and willingness to support others
• the ability to work methodically and reliably under pressure
• an adaptable and approachable attitude
• able to work proactively and independently and have a genuine interest in forensic science

Suitable candidates will be educated to level 3 including a science-based subject.

Due to the nature of the role it will be necessary to provide Biometric samples (fingerprints and DNA) for inclusion on the elimination database for routine speculative searching purposes.

This post is subject to an enhanced level of vetting which must be satisfied before appointment.

Role Profile

The Competency Values Framework (CVF)

The Competency Values Framework (CVF) provides clear expectations for everyone working in policing. It describes behaviours required by all officers and members of staff and it will be used in the recruitment process to assess your suitability for the role to which you are applying.

It is not a requirement that you should have a detailed knowledge of the framework, should you wish to familiarise yourself with it to support you in the recruitment process please follow the below link.

This role operates at level of the CVF

1

Cheshire Constabulary is fully supportive of diversity, equality and inclusion and strives to employ a workforce which is representative of the community it serves.

Applications are welcomed from all underrepresented groups and support will be made available throughout the recruitment process for all applicants. Under-represented groups include:

• People of ethnic minority
• Individuals who identify as having a visible or invisible disability
• Gender in relation to female representation for PC entry routes
• Gender in relation to male representation for Staff entry routes
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + (LGBT+)

FOR POLICE OFFICER NEW RECRUITS ONLY The Constabulary recognises that some may possess additional skills such as fluency in other languages; if you have such a skill and are willing to be contacted about this potentially being considered in relation to deployment and posting decisions, please highlight this in the application. Please note that any posting decision will be made by the organisation as is its prerogative however in circumstances where there is a cultural-competence/skill that may also enhance the Constabulary's service to its communities then in consultation with an individual and their consent then a posting may be agreed accordingly.