Forensic Technician

About the role

The main purpose of this role is to provide scientific technical support for teaching, research, outreach and academic enterprise in Forensic Science.

The core duty is to work with the Senior Forensic Technician to liaise with academic staff to ensure full technical support for teaching, course development, academic enterprise, outreach and research.

The main responsibility is to provide technical support for crime scene investigation, forensic imaging and forensic evidence laboratory analysis (including fingermark, shoe mark and body fluid analysis) in undergraduate and post graduate teaching classes.

This may involve demonstrating scientific techniques in relevant practicals (if workload permits). The role also requires the candidate to support the successful completion of student laboratory and fieldwork projects, such as checking methodology and health and safety documentation, training on relevant techniques / equipment.

The efficient and safe operation of the Forensic Teaching Laboratory, Forensic Imaging Facility and Crime Scene House and Forensic Vehicles is also a main responsibility.

New apparatus / equipment may need to be installed and implemented in the facilities, and current instruments maintained and calibrated.

Trainee technicians / student helpers may need to be trained and supervised in forensic techniques / general upkeep of laboratory and specialist spaces.

Local compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and policies must be kept, with completing appropriate risk assessments.

During university term time, you will be required to be onsite to support academics and students, and may occasionally be needed to support out of hours outreach or research activities.

By signing the technician commitment, the university has pledged to support the career development of technicians and offers support for attending technician development courses (such as via HEATED) or becoming a Fellow or Associate Fellow of Advanced Higher Education.

Interview Date - 3rd October 2024

About You

You should have degree level experience in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Forensic Science), or relevant forensic experience in industry.

You will have experience of practical teaching sessions in (forensic) science; involvement in crime scene investigation (e.

g. forensic photography, documentation, packaging) including vehicle examination; and laboratory forensic analysis (e.g. fingerprint, footwear, body fluid, imaging).

You will have the ability to develop standard operating procedures for practical classes using a wide range of forensic techniques, and have excellent verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively to students and staff.

You also must have the ability to plan and monitor your own workload, operating both alone and as part of a team, with a demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills.

You will have good working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety including risk assessments and COSHH. You will be a great team worker and able to work with minimal supervision.

Principal accountabilities

Liaise with academic staff in Biomedical and Forensic Sciences to ensure full technical support for teaching, course development, academic enterprise, outreach and research in the area of Forensic Science.

Ensure that work generated in this way is fully communicated to the relevant Senior Technician for programming of work.

• Provide technical support for Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Imaging and Forensic Evidence Laboratory Analysis.
• Provide technical assistance to other members of staff as required by the Technical Team Leader or Technical Manager.
• Maintain the efficient operation and orderly appearance of the Forensic Teaching Laboratory, Forensic Imaging Facility and Crime Scene House.
• Provide relevant technical assistance for student projects (undergraduate and post-graduate).
• Assist with supervision and training of trainee technicians.
• Construct and / or install new apparatus and equipment, operate and maintain existing apparatus and equipment as appropriate.
• Help to maintain material stocks, spares etc. and report deficiencies to the Senior Technician.
• Demonstrate in relevant practicals as required (if technician workload permits).
• Undertake appropriate technician development courses.
• Ensure local compliance with all relevant Health and Safety regulations and policies and write risk assessments where appropriate.
• Undertake any additional duties as required in agreement with the line manager and Technical Team Leader.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Forensic Science), or equivalent experience

Experience

• Experience of supporting practical sessions for undergraduate and / or post graduate students
• Experience of the creation of evidence for crime scenes
• Experience of supporting crime scene investigation (e.g. forensic photography, documentation, packaging) including vehicle examination
• Experience of laboratory forensic analysis (e.g. fingerprint, footwear, body fluid, imaging)
• Experience and knowledge of using and maintaining equipment used in Forensic Science

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Ability to develop standard operating procedures for practical classes using a wide range of forensic techniques
• Excellent verbal communication skills - be able to communicate effectively to students and staff
• Ability to plan and monitor own workload operating both alone and as part of a team
• Working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety including Risk Assessment (RA) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Appropriate IT skills (e.g. Microsoft)

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

Professional registration

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• First aid training
• PA testing

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Discounted access to Devonshire Spa
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development
1 day ago