Senior Fingerprint Laboratory Specialist

Company Description

Eurofins The Maastricht Forensic Institute (Eurofins TMFI) is an independent forensic laboratory providing high-quality forensic examinations in support of criminal investigations and judicial proceedings mainly in The Netherlands. Our work is driven by integrity, quality, and innovation, contributing to the objective interpretation of forensic evidence.

Eurofins TMFI is the Dutch branch of Eurofins Forensics and part of a network comprising over 1,500 forensic professionals. Eurofins TMFI provides forensic services to the police, Public Prosecution Office and the judiciary. Currently operating from two locations, the organization is growing rapidly: its forensic laboratory is based in Maastricht, while Amsterdam houses a team of reporting experts. Eurofins TMFI also acts as a "managed service provider," connecting the Dutch criminal justice system with expertise from other Eurofins Forensics laboratories and international partners.

Within the broader network of Eurofins laboratories, Eurofins TMFI is a relatively small yet fast-growing organization. It is a dynamic entity currently composed of approximately 70 ambitious staff members, all driven by a strong commitment to providing the Dutch criminal justice system with the best possible support through innovative, flexible, and client-focused solutions.

Eurofins TMFI continues to expand its in house forensic capabilities and is establishing a dedicated latent fingerprint development and examination laboratory. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Fingerprint Laboratory Specialist who will lead the implementation of this capability from the ground up and play a key role in developing a state-of-the-art fingerprint laboratory.

Job Description

This position offers a unique opportunity to help establish and shape a fingerprint examination capability from the ground up. You will work with a small team of enthusiastic starting fingerprint technicians.

During the initial phase, your primary focus will be on setting up the fingerprint laboratory, implementing suitable methodologies, validating examination processes, and supporting the development of quality documentation in accordance with applicable accreditation and forensic quality standards (ISO 17025).

Once the fingerprint lab is operational, you will perform the examination of evidential items for latent fingerprints and palm prints using a range of physical, chemical, and optical enhancement techniques. You will evaluate the results of examinations and produce clear, scientifically robust reports detailing whether suitable friction ridge detail has been recovered.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Development & Validation

• Lead the establishment of a new fingerprint examination laboratory.
• Select, implement, and optimise laboratory equipment and consumables.
• Develop, validate, and introduce fingerprint development methods for a wide range of evidential materials.
• Establish laboratory procedures, workflows, validation protocols, and quality documentation.
• Support the implementation of ISO/IEC 17025-compliant quality systems.
• Contribute to accreditation activities and technical competency assessments.
• Advise management on laboratory expansion, future capabilities, and best practices.

Operational Casework

• Examine evidential items for the presence of friction ridge detail.
• Apply physical, chemical, and optical enhancement techniques to visualise friction ridge detail.
• Assess the quality and evidential value of developed fingermarks.
• Capture and document developed marks using appropriate imaging techniques.
• Produce clear, accurate, and scientifically defensible forensic reports detailing examination findings.
• Maintain examination records in accordance with quality and accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of fingerprint development techniques and laboratory processes.

Qualifications

We are looking for a senior forensic practitioner who combines strong technical expertise with practical experience in laboratory implementation and fingerprint development. Experience with combined methods, such as development of latent fingerprints whilst retaining DNA traces, is favorable.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in fingerprint examination and/or latent print development.
• Experience with method validation and quality management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in establishing or expanding forensic laboratory capabilities.
• Experience working within ISO/IEC 17025 accredited environments.
• Experience acting as a technical lead or subject matter expert.
• Knowledge of fingerprint comparison methodologies and reporting practices.
• Experience with digital imaging and fingerprint enhancement techniques.
• Dutch language skills are considered an advantage but are not required.

Additional Information

• A salary ranging between 4000 and 7000, depended on experience.
• The opportunity to build and help lead a new forensic discipline within a growing organisation.
• Meaningful work contributing to criminal investigations and the justice system.
• A collaborative and scientifically driven working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Relocation support can be discussed for suitable candidates.

International Applicants

Eurofins TMFI welcomes applications from candidates both within and outside the European Union. Work permit and visa sponsorship can be facilitated where required.

Interested?

If you have extensive experience in fingerprint development, forensic laboratory operations, and method validation, and are excited by the opportunity to build a new laboratory capability, we would like to hear from you.

Apply by submitting your CV and motivation letter  For any more questions, contact Marcel van Beest ([email protected]) Manager Examination & Reporting