Forensic Research Assistant Placement London 2023

Forensic Services provides services across the Met, nationally and internationally within multiple disciplines and specialisms. Primarily located at our headquarters within Lambeth, we also have staff based all across London. As the largest provider of forensic services in the country, we cover multiple disciplines such as crime scene examination, digital forensics, fingerprints, and biology, and as such we are constantly striving to develop and improve the service we provide through research and innovation.

The role

Based at our Lambeth Headquarters you will be aligned to a forensic consultant, which is the lead technical specialist with their discipline providing support for research and innovation within Forensics. Due to the broad nature of our service and the types of research we conduct we are looking for individuals from a spread of different studies which could include (but is not limited to):

• biomedical sciences
• criminology
• digital forensics
• engineering
• forensic science

Under the direction of the discipline specific forensic consultant, the forensic research assistant will conduct experiments, review data and literature, test hypothesis, complete projects, and present results. Research and validation is required to support accreditation and also to ensure our service provides the best solution to support policing today and in the future.

Disciplines covered by our services and individual consultants include:

• biology and trace
• drugs
• crime scene examination
• specialist imaging
• fingerprints
• firearms
• digital forensics
• audio and visual forensics.

Expected to work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance activities, engaging in internal and external audits, competence and proficiency tests, reporting non-conformances and proposing changes to improve the system.

You will be required to provide Fingerprint and DNA samples for elimination purposes only whilst in the role.

About you

We are looking for enthusiastic, meticulous and innovative individuals to join our Continuous Improvement team within our research capability. This is an incredibly exciting and rare opportunity to support the development of gorensic processes and techniques to ensure we meet the ever evolving demands of tackling crime in London. 

Candidates must:

• be working towards degree level within a relevant course
• have a keen interest in forensics or policing, with strong work ethic and desire to learn
• have a genuine interest in research
• be able to follow direction but also work independently  

Other requirements include:

You must be working towards a degree level within a relevant discipline. Can include but is not limited to:

• science (such as chemistry or biomedical studies)
• toxicology
• criminology
• forensic science
• computer science
• information technology/security
• engineering
• digital forensics 

Experience

• ability to work both in a team and independently (with direction)
• ability to follow set processes and protocols as defined by the Forensic Services Quality Management System
• confident using a range of systems and tools such as MS Office
• ability to report on research and present findings

In this role, you will be required to:

• provide support to the forensic consultant in undertaking different types of research, for example, literature, laboratory based, statistical, as applicable to the discipline
• undertake project work
• assist in the design of research
• perform experiments, testing or validating of current and new processes
• interrogate data or results to extract key information
• identify potential risks and issues within research to the forensic consultant
• under direction processes, organises and summarises data using IT systems
• conduct literature reviews (as applicable)
• understand and accept the core principles set out in the health and safety policy in relation to your role, duties and responsibilities and implement those principles and requirements in day-to-day activities.

Candidates must also demonstrate the following skills:

Communication skills

• an excellent level of both written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present information appropriately to a wide variety of clients in a clear, concise and non-technical manner. Written communications will need to be well prepared and logically structured.

Planning and organisational skills

• plans and organises their own work, liaising with their manager as to how the work fits in with the project

Time management

• prioritises tasks and keeps to deadlines. Has a flexible and self-motivated approach to work, being able to work unsupervised if required.

Problem solving skills

• can define and solve problems in a logical manner, being aware of the variety of solutions possible
• shows evidence of being able to balance theory with reality to produce a pragmatic solution

Technical skills

• IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and an aptitude and willingness to learn new software packages
• good numerical and statistical analysis skills and being able to make sense of and interpret qualitative and quantitative data

Team working

• can work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients at all levels. Being an active team player and show willingness to help other people

Personal responsibility

• have a proactive approach, being able to critically appraise their actions and accept responsibility given to them

Respect for diversity

• demonstrates a respect for diversity through all aspects of work
• shows consideration and respect for the opinions and feelings of others, regardless of their status or background