Credit: Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

The National Crime Agency is seeking to boost its ranks of digital forensic specialists with roles on offer at sites around the country.

The NCA recently posted a job advert seeking to hire eight new digital forensics laboratory technicians. 

The growing field of digital forensics typically involves the collection and examination of evidence from digital devices, such as smartphones and computers. 

Responsibilities of the new recruits at the NCA will include “supporting requests for technical assistance from NCA investigators, including the transfer of data to corporate networks for investigative review”.  The technicians will also be charged with conducting “laboratory-based forensic acquisition of items [and] exhibits in order to obtain optimum intelligence [and] evidence recovery from submissions, whilst ensuring the integrity and continuity of items by correct handling, storage and documentation”.

Related content

• ‘Treated as suspects’ – ICO calls for end to excessive demands for personal data of rape victims
• ICO flags concerns of ‘poor practices’ in police collection of smartphone data
• Government and police chiefs consider options for managing digital evidence

The octet, who will be based across agency sites at Warrington, Bristol, Kingston Upon Thames and Tamworth, will also assist with “active involvement in validation, testing, and maintenance of hardware and software in the furtherance of operational delivery”.

Case-management duties will include the need to “create, maintain and update departmental records, including operational or programme activity spreadsheets, case files, and monthly reports”. 

The new hires may also be required “to attend court and give evidence”.

The technicians will sit within the Forensic Services Department, which forms part of the NCA’s Intelligence Directorate.

“The Intelligence Directorate works collaboratively with the NCA Investigations Directorate and partners to deliver a unified crime fighting response,” the job advert said. “To be successful in this role, the candidate will need to demonstrate a knowledge of, or willingness to gain, a strong working knowledge of digital forensic processes and procedures within a laboratory environment. Applications are welcomed from candidates experienced in working within a laboratory environment, as well as from those willing to undergo training in the acquisition of digital devices. The role holder must be prepared to self-develop their technical skillset to maintain knowledge and awareness of the changing digital forensic landscape.”

The positions each come with an annual salary of £21,050 and an initial two-year contract. Applications are open until 9.25am on 25 July.