Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials Scientific Support
The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
As part of a small team supporting the Forensic Science Regulator, this role reports directly to, the Scientific Lead for the Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials portfolio. The role holder will investigate quality issues referred to the Regulator, help develop policies and support the wider work of the team.There will be significant engagement with stakeholders across Home Office, Police, commercial forensic science providers, the judiciary and leading experts across industry and academia.
Following the introduction of the statutory Code of Practice for forensic science, this is an exciting opportunity to help develop that further and shape the future of the forensic science regulation in England and Wales.
The post holder will join a friendly inclusive team of Home Office officials in the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator (OFSR) which supports the work of the Regulator. The team works across sites in Birmingham and London.
This is a varied role, working with, and reporting directly to, the Scientific Lead for the Drugs, Toxicology and Noxious Materials portfolio of Forensic Science Activities (FSAs) as set out in the Regulator’s Code of Practice.
The role involves the investigation of quality issues that are referred to the Regulator, often requiring a degree of troubleshooting in the context of the forensic process. Training will be given in root cause analysis where necessary.
The role also involves significant stakeholder engagement with specialists developing policies and guidance for the wider forensic science community, as well as those carrying out FSAs within the portfolio. This could involve the role holder carrying out some secretariat function in preparing for and minuting meetings.
The role holder will also support the wider work of the team, either working with other scientific or the business and compliance leads. This could be supporting legal obligations, or supporting the organisation of events.
Working pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Travel between London and Birmingham work locations on an approximately bi-monthly basis will be required, with occasional additional travel within the UK.
Responsibilities- Providing scientific and technical advice on Drugs, Toxicology and/or Noxious Materials and the development of the Code and associated guidance to the OFSR Science Lead, the Head of the OFSR, the Regulator and key stakeholders.
- Supporting the team in delivering the priorities, work plan and objectives of the Regulator.
- Tracking, monitoring and investigating incidents and referrals about quality in forensic science activities including evaluating risk and root causes.
- Providing support to the OFSR corporate and business functions for the Regulator, including administrative, and secretariat support when necessary.
- The role holder is currently not expected to have line management responsibility.