Firearms Examiner / Senior Firearms Examiner

Company Description

Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS) is the largest forensic service provider in the UK and Europe. We are part of Eurofins Scientific, which is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on and forensics. Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.

In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products. 

In 2025, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR €7,296 billion and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Job Description

Eurofins Forensic Services is seeking a skilled and motivated Firearms Examiner to join our specialist team in Leeds. We are expanding our team and offering a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of forensic science within a proven, industry‑leading organisation. With over 30 years of experience delivering high‑quality forensic services to police forces, public sector organisations, and commercial clients across England and Wales, we offer a professional environment where scientific expertise and technical excellence are paramount.

As a Firearms Examiner, you will be responsible for the examination, classification, and reporting of a diverse range of firearms, ammunition, and related components—ranging from stun guns through to fully automatic weapons. This role provides an opportunity to apply and develop technical proficiency in a highly specialised forensic field. You will work with advanced equipment, contribute to high‑profile investigations, and use your expertise to support law enforcement across the UK.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Conduct examinations and analytical procedures in accordance with Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and the EFS Quality Manual.
• Complete casework and non‑casework tasks to required timescales and to the standards set out in relevant SOPs.
• Provide guidance and instruction to colleagues, as required, to ensure effective and timely delivery of work.
• Contribute to scientific and quality investigations and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare clear, precise witness statements and attend court when required.
• Engage in structured training, research, and self‑directed study to support your ongoing professional development.
• Identify and propose improvements to methods, workflows, and processes to enhance quality and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

We are seeking an individual with a genuine interest and working knowledge of firearms, whether gained professionally or through a relevant technical hobby. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong motivation, attention to detail, and a commitment to high‑quality scientific work.
• A methodical, analytical approach, with an aptitude for understanding complex technical systems.
• Professional integrity, reliability, and a strong customer‑focused mindset.
• The ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to team culture.
• Enthusiasm for ongoing development within a highly specialised forensic discipline.

If you possess knowledge of firearms and ammunition and are eager to advance your career within a leading forensic science organisation, we will welcome your application.

Additional Information

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, applicants should note that security clearance is required for this role. To gain security clearance you must have five years continuous residency in the UK. Security clearance is undertaken by a third party to police personnel vetting standards (NPPV3 and SC), as such any criminal convictions may prevent you from gaining security clearance. Further information on the security clearance process and requirement can be found at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/police-forces/warwickshire-police/areas/warwickshire-police/about-us/about-us/police-national-vetting-service/ . In addition, all successful applicants will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment and provide a DNA sample.

In return for your hard work and loyal service, we will offer you a competitive salary, and a selection of employee benefits via our flexible benefits menu which includes cycle to work, give as you earn, volunteering days, buy and sell holiday. In addition, we also offer the following:

• Life Assurance (3 times annual salary)
• Scottish Widows Company Pension Plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to a maximum of 30 days)
• Employee length of service awards and yearly recognition schemes, celebrating work anniversaries here at EFS.
• Employee tech scheme
• Discount vouchers and flexi reward points on our employee wellness hub
• Everyone who joins EFS will have access to Perkbox allowing you to save money all year round on a wide range of perks such as supermarket savings, days out or your daily coffee
• Learning and study support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan membership
• Enhanced company sick, maternity and paternity pay scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Subscription to mental health support and wellbeing
• Free on-site car parking

Due to the nature of the work, we undertake on our EFS Midlands site, all employees based at EFS Leeds must prearrange any visits to Midlands site and fully comply with all precautions you will need to take in order to enter the premises.  This also applies to persons involved in clay pigeon shooting, and those who regularly use any cartridge-based tools such as nail/stud guns.  Please provide details on your application.