Senior Digital Forensics Specialist

Role: Senior Digital Forensics Specialist
Headcount: 1
Digital/Non-Digital: Digital Technology
Contracting Authority: Public Sector
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: London, Full-Time Office-Based
IR35: In Scope
Pay Rate: Up to £600 per day (umbrella)

Security Clearance: SC clearance required from the start.
CV Deadline: 17th March 25 COP
Interview Process: In person

Description:

Overview: The Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) at the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is responsible for processing and analysing digital evidence. This includes triaging items during searches, performing forensic extractions, and processing evidence into formats accessible through the SFO eDiscovery System. The DFU collaborates with Case Teams to ensure the timely and appropriate delivery of materials.
We are seeking a Senior Digital Forensic Specialist to enhance lab capabilities, ensure compliance with Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) standards, and manage complex processing, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence.

Key Responsibilities:
Serve as a subject matter expert, offering guidance to DFU colleagues and investigative staff.
Deliver reports and updates to the Head of Unit, outlining findings, developments, and recommendations.
Mentor and develop team members to strengthen the unit's overall capability.
Ensure adherence to ISO 17025 and the FSR Code of Conduct via Quality Assurance checks and by developing the DFU's Quality Management System.
Develop and implement methodologies, validation plans, training materials, and competency assessments for digital forensic tasks (eg, mobile phone, computer, and media extractions).
Provide expert support to Digital Forensic Specialists on complex technological and eDiscovery issues, sharing knowledge and resolving challenges collaboratively.
Contribute to strategic planning, review, and coordination of DFU Examiner Training in collaboration with the Head of DFU and Digital Forensic Consultants.
Work closely with the Digital Evidence Quality Manager to develop and maintain the lab's Quality Management System.
Provide witness statements and appear in court to give expert evidence regarding digital forensic work.
Participate in office-wide initiatives, including policy development, training, and strategic projects.

Essential Qualifications:
Extensive experience as a Digital Forensic Investigator/Examiner.
Proven expertise in digital forensic casework and delivering outcomes to clients.
Deep understanding of digital media, operating systems, storage devices, and cloud forensics.
Familiarity with evidence handling procedures and principles.
Thorough knowledge of the Forensic Science Regulator's standards for digital forensic acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
Experience implementing new policies and procedures in a digital forensic environment.
Certification (current or prior) or equivalent experience with forensic tools such as EnCase (EnCE), Nuix (NICS), Cellebrite (CCLO or CCPA), XRY, FTK, or similar.

Desirable Qualifications:
Experience working within a law enforcement or criminal justice environment.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a skilled Forensic Specialist with extensive experience to join our team. The ideal candidate will excel in computer and phone forensics, casework management, and report generation, with expertise in working within FSR codes and ISO environments.

Key Responsibilities:
Conduct forensic analysis of computers and mobile devices.
Manage casework, including the acquisition of devices.
Perform in-depth analysis and produce detailed forensic reports.
Ensure compliance with Quality Management System standards, focusing on FSR codes.
Conduct validation work for software updates.
Assist in revising and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Qualifications:
Proven experience working with FSR codes and in ISO environments.
Expertise in the forensic acquisition of computers and phones.
Strong analytical skills, with a track record of producing high-quality forensic reports.
Familiarity with Quality Management Systems and validation processes.
Broad experience in forensic analysis and casework.