Technical Officer - Toxicology

Hampshire County Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 25,186 - 26,244; Full time

Job summary

Hampshire Scientific Service in Southsea/Portsmouth is seeking a Technical Officer to join the Toxicology Unit within a forensic team. You will perform routine sample preparation and analyses of biological matrices, ensuring accurate paperwork and case continuity in a confidential laboratory setting.

Ideal candidates have a chemistry background with attention to detail, good communication, and teamwork. A degree in chemistry or equivalent laboratory experience is advantageous, with

Qualifications

• A degree in a science subject and a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A–C (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
• Excellent attention to detail (your work will be used as evidence in court).
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Works well as part of a team.
• The ability to amend your opinion when presented with further evidence.

Responsibilities

• Routine sample preparation and analyses on biological matrices.
• Checking the accuracy of submission sample paperwork and assessment of the physical sample on arrival at the Laboratory.
• Carrying out administration relating to Coroners and Police cases ensuring continuity is maintained.
• General laboratory maintenance and housekeeping tasks.
• Stock control of laboratory chemicals and standard materials.
• Working within an ISO 17025 Quality System.
• Working within the Forensic Codes of Practice.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Organization

Education

Degree in Chemistry

GCSEs A-C incl. English & Maths

Tools

Chromatography

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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Technical Officer - Toxicology

Job Reference: HCC624615
Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum
Work Location: Hampshire Scientific Service, Portsmouth
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 6 September 2026
Interview Date: 28 September 2026
Hampshire Scientific Service has formed a ground-breaking partnership between Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and our aim is to apply forensic scientific expertise to protect public health and help deliver forensic enforcement in Hampshire.

The Role:

Based in our forensic team in Southsea, and working predominantly within our Toxicology Unit, you are a team player with good attention to detail and care about your work. You are careful, consistent and able to keep things confidential.
You are comfortable working in a scientific laboratory with biological fluids and chemicals.
Good communication, attention to detail and organisational skills are essential to the role. A degree in Chemistry or laboratory experience would be an advantage.

• Routine sample preparation and analyses on biological matrices.
• Checking the accuracy of submission sample paperwork and assessment of the physical sample on arrival at the Laboratory.
• Carrying out administration relating to Coroners and Police cases ensuring continuity is maintained.
• General laboratory maintenance and housekeeping tasks.
• Stock control of laboratory chemicals and standard materials.
• Working within an ISO 17025 Quality System.
• Working within the Forensic Codes of Practice.

What you’ll do:

Activities of the role:

• 60% - administrative tasks associated with the receipt, booking in and case management of Forensic samples, general laboratory maintenance and housekeeping.
• 40% - standard preparation, sample preparation and chromatographic analysis of samples to inform the Coroner in cases of non-suspicious deaths. To be performed to agreed quality, delivery, and financial performance objectives. Maintenance & calibration of scientific equipment.

What we’re looking for:

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about working in a forensic environment to a trained technical level carrying out administration and routine scientific tasks in the forensic team.

• A degree in a science subject and a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A–C (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
• Excellent attention to detail (your work will be used as evidence in court).
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Works well as part of a team.
• The ability to amend your opinion when presented with further evidence.

This role offers a career opportunity for motivated individuals, especially those with a chemistry background to develop toxicology knowledge and chromatography skills.
We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace, where talent is truly recognised and developed. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of and where you are empowered to be your best and believe in creating a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

Technical Officer – Toxicology Candidate Pack
Applicants with allergies should be aware that large volumes of nuts and other food products are processed in the laboratory.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to Non-Police Personnel Vetting. Further information about this process will be provided to successful candidates. Candidates must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years in order for clearance to be obtained.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.