Reporting Forensic Scientist (GSR)

January 2012

Department/SBU:

Forensic Casework Abingdon UK

Summary of Job:

A forensic scientist with Chemistry specialisation who has experience of a broad range of scientific techniques and court appearance as an expert witness. This person will be expected to handle a full casework load and to provide forensic case strategy, whilst providing a liaison point with our police customers.

Reporting Relationship:

Senior Reporting Forensic Scientist

Principal Accountabilities:

• Interpretation and reporting of GSR and other chemistry casework.
• Case management and coordination, to ensure the integration of evidential findings from all specialised analyses and to ensure appropriate communication with all case stake holders.
• Preparation of reports for (e.g.) police, CPS, coroner.
• Provide verbal and written testimony for the results reported
• Ensure that high quality standards and integrity of the forensic analysis process are maintained at all times.
• To liaise with police officers and other authorities to establish a forensic strategy as required on a case by case basis.
• Examination of crime scene samples in accordance with the agreed forensic strategy, (this examination will incorporate a broad range of potential evidence types).
• To train and mentor staff in a broad range of examination techniques and reporting procedures
• Responding to routine enquiries and urgent enquiries to a high standard.
• Maintain an up to date and complete technical knowledge of a broad range of forensic analysis processes.
• Possible requirement for attendance at crime scenes as required in line with competence and training

Subordinates:

• None

Job Requirements:

• B.Sc. Degree in Chemistry, Physics or other analytical subject.

• Competent at interpreting and reporting GSR casework
• Experience in the use of SEM for GSR analysis
• Experience of presenting expert evidence in court
• Competent to interpret and report on the results of a broad range of chemical analysis including Glass, paint, fibres etc
• Understanding of casework assessment and interpretation
• Ability to undertake appropriate analysis in the laboratory and at crime scenes and to report the findings.
• Laboratory examination of casework items for the recovery of GSR and other trace evidence.
• Familiarity with using computers for word processing and other applications.
• Knowledge of the legal system as it pertains to forensic science.
• Knowledge of validation procedures
• Solid background in Chemistry and forensics.
• Ability to present technical data clearly and concisely in both written and verbal forms
• Maintain an awareness of developments in forensic science
  

• Understanding of customer needs in terms of quality and timeliness.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Highly ethically motivated.
• Management, motivating and mentoring skills.
• Project management experience.
• Professional demeanour.
• Innovative and enthusiasm to instigate change.
• Gravitas.

Physical Demands:

• This role requires good concentration, meticulous attention to detail, and accurate record keeping.
• Some crime scene attendance may be required which could be out of hours in inhospitable environments.
• VDU Operation.
• Microscopy.
• Sitting.

Working Conditions:

• A computer workstation in an air conditioned office.
• Laboratory work.
• Will be required to take part in out of hours and weekend working rota.
• Occasional requirement to be on call for emergencies.

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