Forensic Technician

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation have a vital part they play in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing through our TechNet.  

Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the College of Science and Engineering. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, resource HUB’s, workshops, controlled environments, clinical suites, media studios and Derby Theatre. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

About the Role

The main purpose of this role is to provide scientific technical support for teaching, research, outreach and academic enterprise in Forensic Science.

The core duty is to work with the Senior Forensic Technician to liaise with academic staff to ensure full technical support for teaching, course development, academic enterprise, outreach and research. 

The main responsibility is to provide technical support for crime scene investigation, forensic imaging and forensic evidence laboratory analysis (including fingermark, shoe mark and body fluid analysis) in undergraduate and post graduate teaching classes. This may involve demonstrating scientific techniques in relevant practicals (if workload permits). The role also requires the candidate to support the successful completion of student laboratory and fieldwork projects, such as checking methodology and health and safety documentation, training on relevant techniques/equipment.

The efficient and safe operation of the Forensic Teaching Laboratory, Forensic Imaging Facility and Crime Scene House and Forensic Vehicles is also a main responsibility. New apparatus/equipment may need to be installed and implemented in the facilities, and current instruments maintained and calibrated.

About You

You should have degree level experience in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Forensic Science), or relevant forensic experience in industry. You will have experience of practical teaching sessions in (forensic) science; involvement in crime scene investigation (e.g. forensic photography, documentation, packaging) including vehicle examination; and laboratory forensic analysis (e.g. fingerprint, footwear, body fluid, imaging).

You will have the ability to develop standard operating procedures for practical classes using a wide range of forensic techniques, and have excellent verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively to students and staff. You also must have the ability to plan and monitor your own workload, operating both alone and as part of a team, with a demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills. You will have good working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety including risk assessments and COSHH.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Caroline Mills, Senior Technician - Forensic Science via c.mills@derby.ac.uk.

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

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