Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel
Contract Type: Contractor / Independent
UKAS is the national accreditation body for the United Kingdom, responsible for evaluating and accrediting organisations that provide conformity assessment services, including certification, testing, inspection, and calibration.
We are expanding our network of independent Forensic DNA Analysis and Interpretation Technical Assessors to support accreditation and surveillance activity across forensic DNA profiling, analysis and interpretation.
As a contracted Technical Assessor, you will evaluate conformity assessment bodies to ensure forensic DNA activities are conducted competently, consistently, and in accordance with relevant forensic science technical requirements, validation expectations and quality assurance procedures. Assessments may include desk reviews, on-site inspections, witnessed assessments, and post-audit reviews.
This is a flexible, remote role with some travel required.
We are seeking technically credible forensic DNA professionals with extensive hands-on experience who can confidently evaluate how organisations implement DNA profiling methods, interpretation procedures, contamination controls and competence requirements in practice.
You will assess conformity assessment bodies that conduct forensic DNA profiling, analysis, and interpretation, including case assessment, sample handling, method validation, quality assurance, and reporting.
You will be expected to demonstrate strong practical expertise, typically supported by a degree or equivalent in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or a forensic-related subject, and the ability to question, challenge, and evaluate technical decisions during assessment.
Relevant methods, areas or specialisms may include one or more of the following:
You will be able to provide evidence of:
Practical experience is essential. Postgraduate qualifications and relevant professional membership are desirable but not essential.
This role is suited to experienced forensic DNA professionals who have operated at a senior technical or oversight level.
Typical backgrounds may include:
Experience may have been gained within forensic laboratories, criminal justice environments, research, consultancy or other human identity testing settings, provided it demonstrates strong technical depth and independent technical judgement.
All applicants are required to submit a conflict-of-interest declaration during the selection and onboarding process. This ensures the impartiality, independence, and integrity of UKAS accreditation activities. Any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts will be evaluated and managed in accordance with UKAS guidelines prior to scheduling assessment activities.
UKAS is the world’s leading #accreditation body delivering confidence in products and services, and supporting global value chains. Accreditation is an intrinsic part of the UK’s national #quality infrastructure which underpins all sectors of the economy, from food safety to forensics, construction to communications, energy to engineering.
Independent research has confirmed that accreditation contributes £1bn to the UK economy every year. Accreditation provides its direct clients with services that deliver real business value, a marketing and reputational advantage, access to national and overseas markets, and internal quality service improvements.
We couldn’t provide this without the scientific and technical expertise of our people, and our core values of integrity and continual improvement.
