DNA Analyst

Job description

DNA Analyst

Vacancy Reference Number

22753

Number of Vacancies

2

(B) OCU

MO4 Forensic Services

Location

Lambeth

Building

LAMBETH HQ

Band

Band E

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

36 hours per week

Type of Contract

Fixed Term

Contract Duration

15 Month

Job Advert

Job Title: DNA Analyst

Salary: The starting salary is £36,228, which includes allowances totalling £3,009.

The salary is broken down as £ 33,219 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £35,541. Plus, a location allowance of £2,009 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: Lambeth

Role Description

DNA Analysts will work in one or more of the following areas:

• Item examination, DNA analysis and/or interpretation of DNA results
• Counter Terrorism DNA Database use and maintenance
• Prum DNA Database use and maintenance

DNA Analysts will assist Forensic Scientists to assess simple possible DNA matches and report factual findings in accordance with Criminal Justice requirements; conduct item examination; and/or carry out DNA analysis.

Supports the 24/7 service provided by Secure Operations and participates in the on-call out of hours provision for Secure Operations, where required.

Active participation in projects and collaboration with colleagues.

Conditions of Role Confirmation

• Must provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for inclusion on the Staff Elimination databases.
• Must indicate agreement to abide by Forensic Science Regulator's Code of Practice
• Must be willing to support the 24/7 service provided by Secure Operations and participate in the on-call out of hours provision for Secure Operations, if required. The on call provision operates on a rota system and should not be more frequent than an average of one week in every six weeks.

Key Activities

One or more of the following depending on previous experience and operational need:

• Operate and maintain DNA databases and interpret intelligence based on current procedures
• Conduct DNA analysis
• Conduct item examination of simple casework exhibits
• Understand and accept the core principles set out in the H&S Policy in relation to your role, duties and responsibilities and implement those principles and requirements in day-to-day activities.
• Work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance activities; conducting and engaging in internal and external audits, competence and proficiency tests; reporting non-conformances; and introducing process changes to improve the system.
• Contribute to activities within Secure Operations Forensic Services in order to maintain accreditation in all existing areas of scope (for example UKAS 17025 accreditation
• Assist in the development and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures to meet the requirements of accreditation.
• Assist in identifying and report on DNA matches in line with the UK Criminal Justice System (CJS) and other regulatory bodies
• Maintain and develop knowledge, skills and competence to ensure these are up to date and meet the demands of employment and service provision.
• Participate in regular laboratory cleaning to maintain a DNA clean environment.
• Conduct general office and administrative duties to support the different areas of the team.
• Support and assist the DNA Forensic (Reporting) Scientists, DNA Senior Forensic Scientists and the DNA Services Consultant to develop databases, systems, processes and procedures as appropriate.
• Assist in the training of police officers and MPS staff at all levels on appropriate and up-to-date methods of DNA collection, retention and submission. They may also assist in developing awareness training for all staff on DNA services available to them and ensure MPS officers and staff, understand the policy on optimal DNA recovery and submission.
• Undertake internal Emergency Life Saving (ELS) training and maintain competency.
• On occasion you may be asked to travel domestically and overseas to support business needs.

Vacancies

There are two fixed term vacancies available, which will end on 31/03/2028. After initial selection all other successful candidates will be placed on a fixed 12 month select list and will be offered available vacancies as they arise during this period. After 12 months any future vacancies will be readvertised and candidates will be expected to reapply.

Additional Information

This role does not attract Shift Disturbance Allowance. If you are currently in a shift-working role, SDA should cease upon appointment to this job.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

How to apply

To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply button ". The application process requires a comprehensive CV (2 pages maximum), a Personal Statement (500 words maximum), and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how you meet the essential criteria. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and Personal Statement.

You will also be required to complete the following competency based questions:

We take ownership (CVF Level 1)

• Detail a time where you have identified a problem and explain the actions you took to resolve this. (Min 200 words, max 500 words)

We collaborate (CVF Level 1)

• Detail a time where you have worked with others to achieve a task or goal. (Min 200 words, max 500 words)

Those successful at the paper-sift stage will be invited to attend an interview which will be assessed against the remaining CVF elements:

• We support and inspire (CVF Level 1)
• We are emotionally aware (CVF Level 1)
• We analyse critically (CVF Level 1)
• We are innovative and open-minded (CVF Level 1)

There will be a short (10minute) presentation at the start, the topic will be provided with the interview invitation to allow time to prepare before the interview.

There will also be technical questions during the interview process.

The MPS values will also be evaluated with specific questions and across the whole interview.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 13th October 2026.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager.

Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview.

Essential For The Role

Essential Criteria

• Must hold a degree in a relevant laboratory science subject, such as Biology, Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry this list is not exhaustive.
• Must have at least one year's experience of working as a forensic DNA Analyst or equivalent
• Must hold a driving licence which must have been held for a year, meet UK DVLA standards, be full, manual, clean and valid, as they will be expected to undertake a Met driving test.

Knowledge and Skills

• Have good knowledge of forensic science and/or data analysis.
• Be able to process large amounts of data using relevant software packages such as Excel, Word and other elements of MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to liaise effectively with staff of all grades, other forensic practitioners within the Directorate, police officers, external stakeholders and external forensic professionals.
• Be able to interpret information and be capable of making sound decisions based on defined procedures and precedents.
• Operate effectively in a high pressure environment.
• Have an awareness of data protection and information security.
• Have an awareness of the ethics around the uses of DNA analysis.

Required Languages

English

Reports To

Forensic Scientist

Additional Information

The following competencies will be tested against during sift:

• We take ownership at level 1

• We collaborate at level 1

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about .