Job Title: Forensic Scientist
Salary: £37,744 to £42,631 plus a Location allowance of £1,721. You will receive £37,744 the band minimum. Progress to the band maximum of £42,631 will be via incremental progression.
Location: Lambeth/Central London
Forensic Science has revolutionised policing and continues to evolve. Today, it plays a critical role in both proactively preventing crime and crime investigations. As aForensic Scientist, you will be part of the Secure DNA Operations team (SDOT). Join us and play your part in a network that protects London and helps bring offenders to justice in the UK and beyond.
- As a Forensic Scientist, you will work act as a source of expert forensic guidance and provide scientific and technical support to a number of areas:
- DNA analysis and/or interpretation and reporting of DNA results, which may include statistical evaluation and complex results
- DNA Database use, maintenance and reporting
- Writing of reports and statements.
- Line management and training/mentoring/coaching duties.
- Active participation in projects, collaborating with colleagues and reporting to the relevant Senior Forensic Scientist.
- Will deputise for Senior Forensic Scientists when required.
Essential for the Role
- Must hold a degree in a relevant science subject.
- Required to provide evidence of relevant previous experience/competencies, if applicable.
- Must have previously worked in a relevant discipline as a reporting forensic scientist; or as a DNA analyst or examiner for a minimum of three years.
- Must have extensive knowledge of forensic science and data analysis, including DNA profiling / STR multiplexes / future technologies.
- Good understanding of the issues around retrieval, storage and retention of exhibits for examination of biological material and DNA analysis.
- Have an understanding of data protection and information security.
- Have an understanding of the ethics around the uses of DNA analysis.
- Will be expected to develop and maintain quality management systems and processes within SDOT to ensure continued ISO accreditation across all areas of the business.
- Must provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for inclusion on the Staff Elimination databases.
- Must work within Forensic Services Quality Management System
- Mustindicate agreement to abide by Forensic Regulator’s Code of Practice and Conduct.
- Must be willing to support the 24/7 service provided by Secure Operations and participate in the on-call out of hours provision for Secure Operations, where required.The on call provision operates on a rota system and shouldnot be more frequent thanan average of oneweekinevery six weeks.
- A Forensic Scientist will be expected to support the Consultant and Senior Forensic Scientists to develop systems, procedures and staff within their unit and drive the unit towards excellence within the field of evidence recovery and interpretation; and DNA analysis and interpretation.
- They will be expected to keep up to date with developments within the field of forensic science especially in their areas of expertise with a view to constant development and improvement of forensic services.
- Likely to have involvement in research projects and development of proposals within the unit, utilising resources within the unit and/or partner organisations. Some previous experience of research or project work would be beneficial.
- Forensic Scientists will make decisions that will affect overall forensic spend.
- Being ultimately accountable to the Criminal Justice System, they must demonstrate independence, impartiality and conviction in the decisions made. Any errors may result in a negative impact on the criminal justice process and ultimately the reputation of Forensic Services.
- May require vetting to DV level. A STRAP induction, where applicable, will be required.
- On occasion you may be asked to travel domestically and overseas to support business needs.
- Must participate in regular laboratory cleaning to maintain a DNA clean environment.
- Will be required to undertake internal Emergency Life Saving (ELS) training and maintain competency.
Desirable
- STR interpretation software package knowledge is desirable.
- Desirable to hold a full DVLA driving licence– may be requiredto undertake a MPS driving test.
Vetting
This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.
Confidentiality Agreement
Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.
Additional
Please note that these roles are for 36 months Fixed Term Contract.
Please click on the below link to view an online candidate information pack that will you give you an insight into the Met, the competency framework we use which shapes our daily work behaviours, the application process and a host of other information, that will help inform and support your application:
https://sscl-innovation.com/MPScandidatepack/
How to apply
The application review process will comprise a personal statement (500 words max), application form and a detailed CV (2 pages max). Candidates successful at paper-sift will be invited to attend an interview.
Your personal statement should detail why you are interested in joining the team and what your skills and experience can bring to the role .
Your application will be assessed against the following CVF competencies:
We take ownership – Level 2
We are collaborative – Level 2
Applicants successful at the paper-sift stage will be invited to an interview which will include a short presentation (the topic will be provided to candidates at the interview). The interview will be assessed against the following CVF competencies and you will also be asked a number of technical questions relating to forensic science and the role.
We are emotionally aware – Level 2
We deliver support and inspire – Level 2
We analyse critically – Level 2
We are innovative and open-minded – Level 2
Completed applications must be submitted by 31/10/2022.
We view diversity as fundamental to our success. To tackle today’s complex policing challenges, we need a workforce made up from all of London’s communities. Applications from across the community are therefore essential.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer the Met have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
