DNA Scientific Officer
| Posting date: | 02 July 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £28,000 to £29,400 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Successful candidate will be eligible for an annual RRA of £5,000. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 July 2024 |
| Location: | Solihull |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 359002/1 |
Summary
The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) operates and administers national systems that identify links between forensic evidence found at scenes of crime and arrestees (and on occasion other individuals such as vulnerable persons and missing persons). The unit ensures the integrity of records held on national biometric databases, including the National DNA Database (NDNAD), IDENT1 (National Fingerprint Collections), and the National Footwear Database (NFD).
The DNA Scientific Officer contributes to maintaining the integrity of the NDNAD by supporting the NDNAD Performance Management Framework of the whole NDNAD supply chain.
This is a critical role for maintaining public confidence in the NDNAD in supporting policing in reducing crime, maintaining order, and bringing criminals to justice.
The role holder will work alongside the Proficiency Testing Manager to run the laboratory and deliver FINDS Quality Assurance and Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes. They will be responsible for designing specific tests, preparing relevant exhibits and materials, tracking progress, evaluating results, and monitoring trends and unexpected results. They will continuously review and improve the schemes to meet participant needs and forensic science regulatory requirements.
Due to the nature of this role, it is full time and office-based only. The successful candidate will be required to work from the Solihull office Monday-Friday (5 days per week).
Responsibilities
- Deliver the Quality Assurance and PT schemes for NDNAD
- Design and set-up specific Proficiency Tests to defined service levels to maintain the FINDS’s accreditation to the international standard ISO17043
- Prepare relevant exhibits and materials, submit to participants and track progress
- Log and analyse results data, monitor trends and report back to participants
- Initiate investigations into unexpected results and escalate to the relevant manager for review
- Maintain up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to body fluid examination, forensic DNA processing and the wider NDNAD supply chain
- Collaborate with PT Manager to design future PT schemes
- Carry out regular reviews of the schemes and initiate improvements to ensure continual enhancement of the PT schemes to meet participant needs and forensic science regulatory requirements
- Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the ‘DNA-clean’ laboratory including Risk and COSHH assessments and the maintenance activities, and record keeping in adherence to international standard ISO 17043
- Donor stock management
- Conduct the administration of procurement, review of service providers and other tasks which supports the running of the PT scheme
- Oversee the administration of budgeting, expenditure, and income collection
- Maintain effective working relationships with HO colleagues, Law enforcement agencies in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scottish Police Association, Forensic Service Providers, UKAS and other PT specialist groups and commercial providers supporting the PT and laboratory operations
Note: An employee may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence and training.
Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA)
Successful candidate will be eligible for an annual RRA of £5,000. This allowance is subject to review and Head of Profession approval, and could be reduced or withdrawn at any time.