Job Advert
Regional Scientific Support Services
Calder Park, Wakefield.
Scale 6 - £33,603 - £35,772
Permanent, full time
Flexible Working Pattern
This key position sits within the Forensic Services Laboratory, Regional Scientific Support Services and providing a service for the Yorkshire and Humber Region. We are looking for someone who can work confidently both independently and as part of a busy team, managing sensitive and varied workloads with accuracy, integrity, and professionalism.
As a vital member of the team, you will formulate forensic strategies and conduct laboratory-based DNA, blood, trace evidence and drug examinations on a range of exhibit types in accordance with quality management systems, ensuring organisational conformance.
Key duties include:
- Assess and undertake cellular recovery and blood search examinations, alongside cannabis examinations and EDIT (Evidential Drug Identification Testing) of exhibits
- Formulate bespoke examination strategies based on case management, to ensure a fit-for-purpose forensic recovery is performed
- Maintain high standards of continuity and evidential integrity in accordance with force procedures, legislation and standards. Support and engage in the relevant quality management system/s.
- Create factual reports of all examinations for customer reporting and prepare and present evidence for courts in a professional witness capacity
- Liaising with laboratories, forensic providers and partner agencies to facilitate the analysis and submission of evidence
- Ensure proficient record keeping using Force IT systems, particularly the case management system and the movement/examination of items along with recovered exhibits created
- Undertake other duties associated with the role as required to maintain an effective service to the Region, including strict anti-contamination regulations, exhibit continuity and integrity, and day to day running of the department
To succeed in this role, you will be expected to:
- Have prior experience in a DNA-clean environment and/or a Science/ Forensic based degree
- Complete the in-house Forensic Examiner Training programme.
- Demonstrate excellent attention to detail and the ability to work with precision
- Communicate clearly and confidently with officers, investigators and forensic partners, both verbally and in writing
- Work effectively under pressure, handling multiple cases simultaneously
- Manage sensitive information appropriately and maintain high professional and ethical standards
- Work flexibly, including occasional out of hours support when operationally required
Benefits / What we Offer:
West Yorkshire Police staff can access a wide range of benefits designed to support work–life balance, wellbeing, development and financial security. These include:
- Generous annual leave allowance - 29 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years of service (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements to help you manage your professional and personal commitments
-Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a secure Defined Benefit CARE (Career -Average Revalued Earnings) pension scheme
- Membership options for the Police Treatment Centre and The Police Children’s Charity (eligibility-dependent)
- Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, including eligibility to purchase a Blue Light Card
- Option to sign up to our Cycle to work scheme (eligibility-dependent)
- Access to a wide range of internal wellbeing services and support programmes
- Opportunities for career development and training
- Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family-friendly provisions
- A meaningful career with a clear sense of purpose supporting policing services that protect communities
- Opportunities to join staff networks, wellbeing groups, and sports clubs
We are proud to be a member of the Fair Work Charter. See here for more information:
West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter
For more information about what we offer, visit: Employee Benefits
The post is suitable for job share.
West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.