Forensic Science jobs in United Kingdom

This role is located in a British Overseas Territory, therefore UK legislation such as the Data Protection Act (2018) and the Equality Act (2010), or similar, may not apply.

Are you a skilled scientist ready to make a real impact on justice and public safety? Join the Central Government Laboratory, Department of Health, Government of Bermuda as a Government Analyst and play a critical role in forensic drug chemistry, crime detection, and expert court testimony. You will conduct forensic examinations, technical analyses, and urine drug testing that directly supports law enforcement and the judicial system. If you are passionate about science, precision, and public service, this is your opportunity to make a difference where it matters most.

The main duties of the role include:

• Analyzing and identifying illicit and imported drugs using advanced forensic techniques.
• Providing expert scientific evidence in court Supporting toxicology and urine drug testing programmes.
• Collaborating with law enforcement and judicial partners.
• Maintaining and troubleshooting specialised laboratory equipment.
• Contributing to policy development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

Bermuda offers an exceptional quality of life, combining natural beauty with a vibrant international community. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 600 miles from the United States East Coast, Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory covering 21 square miles with a population of around 64,000. The island enjoys a temperate subtropical climate, crystal‑clear waters, and pink‑sand beaches, alongside modern infrastructure and a safe, welcoming environment.

The Government of Bermuda, Department of Health, provides an opportunity to build a rewarding career while contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community. The Department delivers innovative public health programmes, evidence‑based policy, and high‑quality services across a wide range of disciplines. Professionals joining the Department of Health work in a collaborative environment and contribute to initiatives that make a meaningful difference to individuals, families, and communities.

Bermuda offers health professionals a balanced lifestyle with short commutes, rich cultural experiences, and diverse outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy sailing, diving, hiking, or simply relaxing by the sea, Bermuda offers an enviable lifestyle that complements your professional ambitions. For professionals from the UK, the transition is supported by familiar systems and strong cultural and institutional ties, making Bermuda an attractive destination to live and work.

Summary of Accountability

• Post holder is accountable for providing Forensic Drug Chemistry and technical analysis to assist in crime detection and associated reporting and presentation of evidence in court.
• In collaboration with the Senior Government Analyst, post holder develops annual targets for the Forensic Drug Chemistry programme of the Central Government Laboratory. Determines samples to be submitted to or accepted by the laboratory.
• Post holder attends court and provides expert evidence.

Additional Information

• Post holder should maintain an up‑to‑date, in depth knowledge of all current practices and procedures in Forensic Science and Forensic Drug Chemistry related topics.
• In lieu of the required three (3) years relevant experience in Forensic Science or related laboratory science, will consider applicants who possess a post‑graduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or forensic science with one (1) year relevant experience.
• Would be required to be Gazetted as an authorized analyst under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972.
• Should be prepared to attend courses or scientific meetings overseas and willing to participate in training (i.e. Mental Health, Health and Safety, Drug exposure and team building activities).
• The nature of the job requires the provision of a 24‑hour on‑call service throughout the year. Additional out of hours work will occur routinely.
• Because of the nature of the work, the post holder will be subject to a background security check.
• Exposure to toxicology and trace biological evidence recovery would be desirable.
• Post holder may at times be at special risk when analysing hypodermic syringes, new emerging drugs (i.e. fentanyl and analogues which are airborne and deadly), and at drug cultivation scenes.

Duties and Responsibilities of Post

Forensic Examination, Technical Analysis, Urine Drug Testing, Court Testimony:

• Analyses and identifies Imported and illegally produced drugs under the Misue of Drugs Act and the Pharmacy and Poisons Act and provides expert court testimony.
• Provides solutions for "before" and "after" "testing" of the Police Force's substantive breath testing devices and provides expert court testimony.
• Assists with toxicology casework as required by performing screening and confirmatory tests under the direction of the Senior Government Analyst.
• Assists with the urine drug testing program by performing screening tests on urine specimens for common drugs of abuse and confirmatory tests on positive‑screened urines under the direction of the Senior Government Analyst.
• Provides twenty‑four hour on‑call service to carry out laboratory examinations at the request of the Bermuda Police Service under the direction of the Senior Government Analyst.
• Attends court for the purpose of providing expert evidence arising from Forensic examinations and analysis for Forensic Drug Chemistry.
• Liaises with, advises and provides scientific direction to the Registrar of the Supreme Courts, Commissioner of Police, Senior CID officers, The Attorney General's chambers, other Government Departments, the Fire Service, and other organizations requiring laboratory services.
• Performs other related duties as directed by the Senior Government Analyst.

Equipment maintenance

• Maintains, repairs and trouble shoots laboratory.
• Researches new equipment for the Forensic Science programme in response to changing laboratory.

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related science degree together with a wide knowledge of Forensic Science.
• General Knowledge/ People Skills (Soft Skills):
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize workload
• Ability to prioritize
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines (i.e. workload priority can change in an instant)
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work with change
• Demonstrates flexibility/adaptability (i.e. on calls, imports, urgent, drug safety issues)
• Employs strong practical application of mathematical and statistical skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Self‑motivated and ability to work independently
• Maintains professional demeanor at all times
• Ability to work with and interact with various disciplines (i.e. Police Officers, persons from the Judicial System, Pharmacy Inspector, Customs Officers)
• Demonstrates general awareness of the dangers associated with the job (i.e. dangerous drugs, safety at scenes, minimizing drug exposure)
• Technical Knowledge/ Position Specific Skills (Hard Skills):
• Sound knowledge of the Forensic disciplines carried out in the laboratory
• Applies analytical assessment skills to laboratory processes and procedures
• Up‑to‑date and sound knowledge of the Public Health Act, 1949, Misuse of Drugs Act 1972, Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 2006, Summary Offences Act 1926, Road Traffic Act 1947, and any other relevant legislation
• Sound knowledge of the analytical and practical skills in the areas of drug chemistry and other chemical analysis
• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot specialized equipment needed to carry out casework related to the post
• Demonstrates high level of computer literacy and competence with the Microsoft Office Suite of applications
• Knowledge of safe working practices in a laboratory

• A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience in Forensic Science or related Laboratory Science is required.