Casework Support Officer

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.

Job Description

To receive, describe, and dispense items for forensic toxicology examination in line with company standard operating procedures as well as the return and destruction of those exhibits. Assisting with administrative duties of the Toxicology team and providing support for scientific activities where relevant. You should interact well within the team, have excellent attention to detail, able to work in a fast paced, pressured environment and to manage and organise your own tasks, whilst providing support to others. In addition, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of our customers (both internal and external), so enhancing the reputation of Eurofins Forensic Services.

Key Accountabilities:

• Coordinate the receipt, return and transfer of items submitted for forensic examination, ensuring chain of custody and item integrity is held throughout the case life at EFS in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Analyse details provided by the customer to identify which discipline and location cases should be managed by in line with SOPs.
• Accurately describe contents of exhibits in line with laboratory SOPs.
• Accurately dispense samples ready for laboratory analysis.
• Report case of compromised items/cases as detailed in laboratory SOPs.
• Prioritise submissions depending on urgency and length of TAT to support the Toxicology team in timely examination and reporting.
• Ensure safe handling of hazardous and sensitive items including those covered by the Human Tissue Act.
• Adhere to anti-contamination procedures in line with good laboratory practice and maintain records for compliance.
• Proactively complete general office duties.
• Handling enquiries from customers either directly or through colleagues within the team.
• Ensuring statements/reports are delivered to customer as outlined in customer protocols.
• Provide scientific support to reporting team for activities as deemed appropriate.
• Management of court warnings and charging on behalf of Reporting Officers.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with customers and colleagues both verbal and written.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Possess good skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and be able to operate general office equipment.
• Previous experience in the use of LIMS system or a database system an advantage but not essential.
• Demonstrable experience in an administrative role, preferably in a scientific or professional environment.
• Demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of the role as much of the work is of a highly sensitive nature.
• Enthusiastic and proactive approach in carrying out daily duties.
• Must be able to multi-task and prioritise.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, pressured environment and to strict deadlines.
• Must display patience, determination, and integrity at all times.
• Must possess problem-solving skills.
• Respond effectively to unexpected additional workload and ability to adopt a flexible approach to the varied demands of the job and working hours.

Additional Information

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 may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at . In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment.

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you 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 tech 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