Forensic Body Fluids - Contract Assessor

Forensic Body Fluids, Tissue, Hair & Blood Pattern Analysis – 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 testing, inspection and forensic science.

We are expanding our network of independent Forensic Technical Assessors to support accreditation and surveillance activities relating to Body Fluids, Tissue and Hair analysis, including Blood Pattern Analysis (BPA).

As a contracted Technical Assessor, you will evaluate forensic service providers to ensure that search, recovery, identification and interpretation activities are carried out competently and consistently, in line with applicable accreditation and Criminal Justice System (CJS) requirements. Assessments may include desk reviews, on‑site activities, witnessed work and post‑assessment evidence review.

This is a flexible, remote role with some travel. The role may be undertaken alongside existing employment, subject to employer approval and conflict‑of‑interest considerations.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking experienced forensic practitioners with strong hands‑on expertise who can confidently evaluate how organisations conduct forensic searches, recoveries, analyses, and interpretations in practice.

You will be expected to assess technical competence across one or more of the following areas:

• Search for body fluids using visual examination, alternative light sources and chemical techniques
• Identification of body fluids through presumptive and confirmatory testing
• Recovery of body fluids, cellular material and hair using swabbing, cutting, scraping, taping, mini‑taping and forceps or wands
• Hair differentiation, including hair morphology (e.g. animal vs human) and assessment of hair root suitability for DNA processing
• Cell harvesting techniques
• Blood stain and blood pattern identification and interpretation (BPA), where within scope

You will be able to evidence:

• At least 5 years’ experience in the search, recovery and/or reporting of body fluids and cellular material, including hair differentiation
• At least 5 years’ experience in blood stain and blood pattern identification and interpretation (BPA)
• Knowledge of case assessment and interpretation within a forensic science context
• Experience of sample collection, preparation, handling and storage, including contamination avoidance, environmental monitoring and contingency strategies
• Understanding of chain of custody, continuity and sample handling requirements
• Awareness of interferences in body fluid detection
• Knowledge of method validation requirements and quality assurance/checking procedures
• Familiarity with relevant proficiency testing schemes
• Knowledge of Criminal Justice System (CJS) requirements

A formal qualification, such as a degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a forensic-related subject, or an MSc in Biology or Forensic Science, is desirable but not essential — demonstrable competence and experience are considered more significant.

Membership of relevant professional bodies (such as the Society of Biology or the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences) and awareness of ENFSI are desirable but not essential.

Typical Backgrounds

This role is suited to experienced forensic practitioners who have worked at a senior technical or reporting level. Typical backgrounds may include:

• Senior forensic practitioner specialising in body fluids, cellular material and hair
• Blood pattern analysis specialist with operational casework experience
• Reporting scientist within a forensic science provider
• Technical or quality manager within a forensic laboratory environment
• Experienced crime scene or forensic services practitioner with BPA expertise
• Independent forensic consultant supporting Criminal Justice System work

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 requirements prior to scheduling assessment activities.

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