[Hiring] DNA Interpretation - Technical Assessor @UKAS

Role Description

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.
• Conduct assessments that may include desk reviews, on-site inspections, witnessed assessments, and post-audit reviews.

This is a flexible, remote role with some travel required.

Qualifications

• Strong practical expertise in forensic DNA analysis, typically supported by a degree or equivalent in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a forensic-related subject.
• Ability to question, challenge, and evaluate technical decisions during assessment.
• Experience in relevant methods, areas, or specialisms, including:
• STR and sex chromosome loci analysis
• Interpretation of forensic, mixed, and low-template DNA profiles
• Human kinship profile comparison
• Non-human DNA analysis and species identification
• Body fluid identification and associated sample recovery processes

Requirements

• Strong understanding of DNA profiling methods, limitations, statistical interpretation, and appropriate application.
• Experience overseeing sample handling, chain of custody, contamination controls, method validation, quality assurance, and personnel competence.
• Ability to review technical documentation, records, and evidence critically.
• Clear, concise reporting and sound technical judgement.
• Practical experience is essential; postgraduate qualifications and relevant professional membership are desirable but not essential.

Typical Backgrounds

• Senior forensic DNA scientist or reporting scientist
• DNA interpretation or mixture interpretation specialist
• Forensic laboratory technical manager or quality lead
• Human identification, kinship, or species identification specialist
• Forensic body fluids, cellular material, or sample recovery specialist with strong DNA experience

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.

Conflict of Interest

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.