Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621910
Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum
Work Location: Hampshire Scientific Service, Portsmouth
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 September 2025
Interview Date: 18 September 2025
Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum
Work Location: Hampshire Scientific Service, Portsmouth
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 September 2025
Interview Date: 18 September 2025
The Role:
Hampshire Scientific Service is an innovative collaboration between Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Our aim is to apply forensic scientific expertise to protect public health and help deliver forensic enforcement in Hampshire.
Our Trainee Reporter role is based in our drugs and toxicology team in Southsea.
What you’ll do:
As part of the laboratory team, the successful candidate will be responsible for checking the accuracy of submission sample paperwork and assessing physical samples upon arrival. They will assist in the routine examination and analysis of forensic drug exhibits using spot tests, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and chromatography, under the supervision of a Science Consultant.
The role also involves carrying out administrative tasks related to forensic cases to ensure continuity is maintained, as well as performing general laboratory maintenance and housekeeping duties. The candidate will manage stock control of laboratory chemicals and standard materials, and ensure all work is conducted in compliance with the ISO 17025 Quality System and the Forensic Codes of Practice.
Full training will be provided in all aspects of the job.
What we’re looking for:
You will be a collaborative team player with a strong eye for detail and a genuine commitment to producing high-quality work. Reliable and discreet, consistently handling sensitive information with care is a requirement. You'll be confident working in a scientific laboratory environment, including handling drugs, unknown chemicals, and biological fluids. The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm for forensic science and be trained to a technical level, supporting both administrative and routine scientific tasks in the examination of forensic drug and toxicology exhibits. Strong communication, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent organisational skills are essential for success in this role.
Although a degree in Chemistry is not essential for the trainee reporter role, it would be advantageous, as there is potential for progression within the team to Science Officer within a year and Forensic Drug Reporter within two years.
You will be required to have immunisations appropriate for working in a forensic unit that handles biological samples.
Why join us?
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
Additional Information:
Trainee Forensic Drug Reporter (Technical Officer) Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to Non-Police Personnel Vetting. Further information about this process will be provided to successful candidates. Candidates must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years in order for clearance to be obtained.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Rebecca Hague, Principal Science Consultant (Drugs) on [email protected]
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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