Forensic Biologist

Exciting Opportunity: Forensic Biologist Specialising in Sexual Offence Investigations

Join the West Midlands Police Forensic Services Department and be an integral part of our innovative approach to investigating and solving rape and sexual offences. We are looking for a passionate Forensic Biologist who is eager to drive and implement change.

As a key member of our team, you will develop and establish a robust and responsive service for the forensic investigation of sexual offences, providing an in-house service provision. This two-phase strategy will begin with establishing a semen screening service, followed by the creation of a confirmatory and DNA recovery service as part of phase two, along with accrediting the service provision.

Responsibilities:

Work within our established Major Crime Lab alongside two other Forensic Scientists (Biology) and the Fingerprint Development Lab Team Leader.
Provide leadership to a team comprising Forensic Reporting Officers, Forensic Technicians, and Apprentices, reporting to the Forensic Laboratory Manager.
Offer strong and proven technical and operational support within Forensic Services and Police Investigation Teams.
Collaborate with Police Investigation Teams to help inform and set examination strategies.
Assist in the examination and analysis of forensic exhibits.
Provide expertise, technical, and practical support to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory, including accreditation, validation, and the implementation of new methods.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving the forensic investigation process for sexual offences. If you have a passion for forensics and are ready to contribute to meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.

By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"