DNA Interpretation - Contract Assessor

Forensic DNA Analysis and Interpretation – Contracted Technical Assessor

Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel

Contract Type: Contractor / Independent

About the role

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 travel required.

What We’re Looking For

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:

• 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

You will be able to provide evidence of:

• Proven detailed experience in DNA profiling, covering extraction, quantification, PCR, electrophoresis, analysis and interpretation
• 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
• The 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

This role is suited to experienced forensic DNA professionals who have operated at a senior technical or oversight level.

Typical backgrounds may include:

• 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.

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