DNA Analyst

Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS) is the largest forensic service provider in the UK and Europe. 

We are part of Eurofins Scientific, which is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on and forensics. Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.

In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products. In 2022, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.7 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years. 

Salary: Competitive, plus Shift allowance & London weighting allowance

Contract:  Permanent

Closing Date: 29  March 2024

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Shift Pattern:  There are 3 week shift rotations. Shift 1: 7am – 3pm, Shift 2: 10am – 6pm, Shift 3: 1pm-9pm plus 1 in 3 weekend. 

Job Purpose

DNA Analyst carry out profiling and analysis of DNA samples. This processing is completed within contractual Turnaround Times (TATs) to the highest quality standard and efficient manner.  Effective communications and working flexibly within the DNA unit facilitate operations and ensure TATs delivered.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Profiling of various exhibits and samples as required, across a range of routine and specialist techniques and technologies, which includes:
  • Registration of samples
  • Extraction of DNA
  • Quantification of DNA
  • PCR
  • Capillary electrophoresis
  • Analysis
  • Reporting results
  • Completion of checks associated to the integrity of National DNA Database (NDNAD)
  • Return/Disposal of exhibits in line with customer and legislative guidelines

• Adhere to Operational Protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Work instructions and Quality Management Systems and Good Lab Practice (GLP) at all times
• Responsible and accountable for the results from samples processed
• Report any non-conformances or near misses
• Work effectively with other analysts to achieve TATs and targets to highest quality standards
• Workflow targets are achieved or exceeded based on the time per activity
• Housekeeping duties, such as sample archiving, cleaning and equipment maintenance
• Monitor stock levels and escalate if consumables fall below base level
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement (CI) to improve output and efficiency of activities
• Completes additional tasks and improvement projects around work flow
• If requested, produce an appropriate witness statement or equivalent
• Communicates effectively at all levels, including to customers. 

Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Minimum of A levels (or equilivant) with Science, Maths and English
• Basic knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system and forensic science providers
• Previous work experience within a high throughput, highly regulated environment
• Ability to trouble shoot and resolve technical issues under guidance from technical specialist

Full training will be provided

• An understanding of the requirements of UKAS and the Forensic Regulator. Demonstrate skills to auditors as and when required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to the required Customer Operational Protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Management System, Health & Safety documents and CPS requirements.
• Ownership of an individual training logs and PCR document to ensure competence is gained, maintained and demonstrated.

Desirable

• General forensic awareness
• Lab Based experience
• Embraces change and continuous improvement
• Proven communication skills both written and verbal

  Person Specification

The values on which Eurofins Forensic Services is founded are; Customer Focus, Quality, Competence & Team Spirit and Integrity

• Operates within the company’s core values and demonstrates these daily
• Proactive and enthusiastic attitude with a demonstrable commitment to customer service
• Demonstrates initiative; a proactive, committed and enthusiastic attitude
• Able to manage flexible workload
• Shows resilience and tenacity in a high throughput laboratory with changing priorities
• High levels of concentration, vigilance and excellent record keeping
• Good team player
• Excellent interpersonal skills with interactions at all levels
• Embraces CI and respond positively to change. 

Company Benefits 

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you a genuine career and salary progression through our Career Pathways Programme, a competitive salary, a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, purchase & sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance (3 times annual salary) 
• Company Pension Plan 
• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Employee service recognition awards, celebrating work anniversaries   
• Everyone who joins our team also gets access to Perk box, allowing you to save money all year round. Whether its supermarket savings or days out, the daily coffee or a summer holiday – there’s something to suit everyone’s lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme
• HealthCare Cash Plan membership
• Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to wellbeing support 24/7 

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance will be required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance.  This role will in addition require alcohol/drug screening. The organisation treats personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with its data protection policy.  Information about how your data is used and the basis for processing your data is provided in the organisations applicant privacy notice. 

Find out more in our Eurofins career page: