Trainee Reporting Scientist

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.

The Toxicology team is responsible for the analysis of body fluids and other biological material for alcohol, drugs and poisons in a wide range of criminal cases.  We are looking for a Forensic Reporter to join our dedicated Road Traffic Reporting Team.

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 Role

• Train to report at least one case type (section 5 or 5A) in line with the Road Traffic Act 1988
• Attend court to give expert testimony.
• Receive mentoring in order to devise appropriate case strategies incorporating quality considerations and a cost-effective approach.
• Adhere to all aspects of the customer Operational Protocol and Quality Manual
• Ensure all work (including sub-contractors) is authorised, completed to contracted / agreed timescales and to estimated cost if applicable.
• Ensure all critical findings are checked in line with standard operating procedures
• Manage caseload in a timely manner, with support from mentor.
• Seek continual improvement of methodology and processes that will have a positive impact on the quality and effectiveness of the team.
• Communicate with the customer as appropriate.
• Provide support to the analytical section as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Role Dimensions

• Undertake training in case type/s agreed with mentor/line manager
• Undertake expert witness course in timescale agreed with mentor/line manager.
• Support reporters with their individual caseloads by drafting statements and assisting with results.
• Work within Standard Operating Procedures and company policies and procedures.
• Continually review processes and procedures with a view to improvement of quality and cost effectiveness.
• Maintain awareness of lab and reporting quality.
• Communicate effectively with the customer throughout each case to ensure expectations are understood and adhered to. This includes scientific aspects in addition to authorisation / financial obligations and delivery dates.

Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

Behaviours

• Must display patience, determination, attention to detail and integrity at all times.
• Able to manage a flexible workload; show good organisational skills and high levels of personal resilience with the ability to work to deadlines under pressure.
• Maintains clear communications with customers, clarifying expectations and monitoring satisfaction levels.
• Communicate and work co-operatively with others (within the team, with other departments / sites or external associates) focussing on a collective rather than individual goal.
• Demonstrate initiative; adopting a pro-active attitude to continuous improvement within the areas of science, quality and efficiency.
• Willing to take on extra duties or responsibilities for the team/department.

Required Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Sufficient laboratory experience to identify and understand the issues likely to arise in the types of cases processed, in both scientific and case management terms.
• Good understanding of the principle behind the analytical techniques used for Road Traffic cases.
• Good general business awareness and solid understanding of the various requirements of customers.
• Science based degree.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Fully trained and competent in analysis of standard Toxicology sample types, e.g. blood, urine, whether practical or theoretical.
• Fully trained and competent in analysis/interpretation of results containing common and less common drug types, whether practical or theoretical.
• Previous experience of working in a busy laboratory environment.

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, volunteering days, buy and sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)
• Scottish Widows Company Pension Plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to a maximum of 30 days)
• Employee length of service awards and yearly recognition schemes, celebrating work anniversaries here at EFS.
• Employee tech scheme
• Discount vouchers and flexi reward points on our employee wellness hub
• Everyone who joins EFS will have access to Perkbox allowing you to save money all year round on a wide range of perks such as supermarket savings, days out or your daily coffee
• Learning and study support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan membership
• Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to mental health support and wellbeing
• Free on-site car parking