DNA Analyst

About Us

Eurofins Scientific is a leading international group of laboratories with over EUR 2.4 billion annual sales and over 30,000 employees with a network of 375 laboratories in 41 countries.

Eurofins has a network of 16 sites in the UK and the Group provides an unparalleled range of over 100,000 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.

EFS DNA laboratories, located in Birchwood Park, serve multiple customers and are continuously working to develop new DNA technologies for forensics. An extended range of forensic DNA techniques is offered covering all routine and specialist analyses, available on demand. The PACE laboratory provides rapid, cost-effective DNA profiling of reference samples, with results loaded to the National DNA Database or made available to Reporting Officers for comparison. The DNA Crime Stain team carries out DNA profiling from a wide range of sample types to assist in investigations. Our services are noted for exceptionally high success rates, rapid turnaround times and competitive pricing.

Salary: Competitive plus shift allowance payment

Location: Birchwood Park, UK, Warrington

Contract: Permanent (Not remote working)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

(8am-4pm / 12pm-8pm alternate weeks, Monday – Friday)

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for a DNA analyst to join the laboratory testing team in the DNA Centre based in Birchwood Park.

The role comprises carrying out high throughput DNA profiling of samples; working flexibly and communicating effectively to deliver results within contractual TRT’s and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• To undertake testing and documentation of samples with minimal supervision, as per standard operating procedures to required timescales, following suitable training and demonstrable competencies.
• STR Profiling of various exhibits and samples as required, across a range of routine and specialist techniques including DNA extraction, quant, PCR, analysis and reporting of results.
• Adherence to good lab practice (GLP) and quality systems.
• Perform housekeeping duties including sample archiving and disposal, laboratory cleaning, maintenance of equipment and monitoring stock levels.
• Responsible for maintaining a right first-time approach to work, reporting any non-conformances or near misses to the local quality systems and implementing process improvements.
• Take a proactive approach to Continuous Improvement (CI) within all aspects of the role; striving to improve output and efficiency of both scientific and support tasks.
• Communicate effectively to team members and team leads to ensure a smooth flow of work through the laboratory process.
  
  

Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

The post is suited to people with experience of working in a high throughput, highly regulated environment. They will need to be able to work well as a member of a team and collaborate closely with colleagues performing similar roles. GLP is paramount in this working environment to ensure the integrity and traceability of the sample types received for testing. A practical background in the testing process is advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.

Person Specification

• Demonstrate ownership of issues that arise day to day, escalating only when necessary
• Display patience, determination, attention to detail and integrity at all times
• Exhibit high levels of concentration, accuracy and reliability
• Able to manage a demanding workload; show good organisational skills and high levels of personal resilience with the ability to work to deadlines under pressure
• Communicate and work co-operatively with others, focussing on a collective rather than individual goals
• Demonstrate initiative, adopting a pro-active attitude to continuous improvement

The job holder will be able to demonstrate the following behaviours in line with EFS’s values:

• Customer Focus
• Quality
• Competence
• Team Spirit
• Integrity
  
  

Company Benefits

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you genuine career and salary progression through our Career Pathways programme, 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 technology 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 – site specific)

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 (including criminal convictions held by: you, your partner, parents, siblings, children (over the age of 10) and anyone living with you (who doesn’t fit these relationships)) 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