Principal Scientific Officer
| Posting date: | 28 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £60,300 to £70,730 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National pay location: Birmingham £60,300-£66,330; London pay location: Westminster £64,300-£70,730. Plus annual allowance of £2,500. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 09 June 2025 |
| Location: | Birmingham |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 407453/1 |
Summary
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
As part of a team supporting the Forensic Science Regulator, the post holder will lead on the portfolio of incident scene examination forensic science activities (FSA). This includes crime scene examination, fire investigation, and collision investigation. The post holder will support the implementation of the FSA specific requirements for incident scene examination and develop regulatory requirements for fire and collision investigation.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop forensic science regulation in England and Wales.
The post holder will report directly to the Head of the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator’s Office.
The role requires significant engagement with stakeholders and practitioner communities. The post holder will advise the Regulator on scientific, quality, and regulatory issues relating to forensic science including incident scene examination.
Key Responsibilities
- Ownership of the incident scene examination portfolio of FSAs as defined in the Regulator’s statutory Code of Practice.
- Development and continual review of relevant statutory guidance published by the Regulator.
- Provision of scientific and technical advice relevant to forensic science quality standards to the Regulator and key stakeholders.
- Strategic leadership of the Incident Examination Specialist Group (IESG) and its working groups and support for the Chair of the IESG and the sub-group Chairs.
- Taking the lead on behalf of the Regulator for investigating and recommending action on quality failure referrals, seeking stakeholder and legal advice where necessary.
- Representing the Regulator and Head of Office at meetings, conferences, briefings and supporting the Regulator at meetings and discussions.
- Supporting the corporate functions of the Regulator’s Office including correspondence management, secretariat support, and development of policies and procedures.
- It is expected that the post holder will line manage one Higher Executive Officer.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Monthly travel to Birmingham / London offices is required. Whilst not a requirement for the role, occasional travel within the UK to meet with stakeholders would be beneficial.
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