Senior Forensic Scene Examiner

Permanent
35
Edinburgh Howdenhall
Search and Recovery
£51,637

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

Allowances
You will be required to participate in a standby/call out rota and you will be paid as follows: £43.68 per occurrence on the rota
A disruption level applies to this role. Please refer to the shift pattern/calculator for details.
An unsocial hours level applies to this role. Please refer to the shift pattern/calculator for details.

Key Responsibilities -

    To undertake examinations at all scene incidents, to locate, develop, preserve, record and gather forensic evidence for use by internal and external customers, in the support of the criminal justice system.
    To advise the customer at the scene or at forensic strategy meetings and to prepare reports/statements for external customers.

    To carry out recovery of evidence, examinations, test and processes to clearly defined standards (ISO 17025) within the laboratory as instructed.

    For this role, Crime Scene Investigation / Scene Examination experience is desired. 

    Hybrid working is not available for this position.

    Why join us?

    • Competitive salary with annual increments
    • Full-time or part-time shift patterns
    • 28 days annual leave and 6 public holidays (increases with service)
    • Local government pension scheme for long-term security
    • Ongoing training to develop your skills
    • Opportunities for career progression and professional growth
    • Comprehensive wellbeing support and dynamic work environment
    • Exclusive discounts and savings through our rewards and benefits network

    The Forensic Services Performance Framework can be found here.

    21/07/2026, 12:00

    Why work for Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services?

    Forensic Services are the largest public sector forensic organisation in Europe and among the largest forensic organisations in the UK.
    Our 600 highly-trained and skilled scientists and staff are committed to Scientific Excellence and work with Integrity, Professionalism and Impartiality. 

    We are responsible for providing forensic services to the criminal justice sector in Scotland including: Police Scotland; the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service (COPFS); and the Police Investigations and Reviews Commissioner (PIRC).

    Our forensic strategy provides excellent, innovative forensic services to support justice in Scotland and keep our communities safe and protected in line with the Scottish Government`s Justice Outcomes and the strategic aims of Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

    If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services is for you.

    Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

    We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion,  where communities are under-represented, including those from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

    All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

    We are committed to promoting a diverse workforce and to achieving and promoting an organisational culture where staff and officers are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

    As part of that commitment we are an advocate for gender equality having pledged support for HeForShe

    HeForShe is a global solidarity movement for gender equality initiated by the United Nations with the aim of encouraging men and boys to speak out for gender equality recognising that gender equality is not just a women`s issue but a basic human right that benefits everyone. 

    Flexible working

    Flexible working arrangements can be considered in line with current policy, as well as both personal and organisational needs.   

    Benefits

    You can expect a rewarding and varied career with the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services . We offer competitive salaries, annual salary increments and a wide range of employee benefits. 

    Recruitment and Selection Policy

    Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be given primacy over the remaining internal and external applicants.

    Vetting 

    We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

    This vacancy is closed to applications.