Forensic Chemist - Toxicology

Duties

The Forensic Chemist - Toxicology is a highly technical position conducting routine and non-routine assays for volatiles and drugs required by a post-mortem, forensic toxicology laboratory. This position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the State Medical Examiner System through the discovery of primary and secondary causes of unattended, unwitnessed, accidental, suicidal or homicidal deaths. The Forensic Chemist - Toxicology self-assigns work from the pending list of analyses for the isolation of drugs from biological specimens and pertinent evidence using highly sophisticated analytical instrumentation. The testing performed is highly complex and involves all manner of biological specimens. Results of the work are combined with preliminary autopsy findings to render final conclusions as to the cause and manner of death. In addition, the Forensic Chemist - Toxicology is responsible for review and certification of analytical data such as volatiles analysis and other LC/MS/MS quantitative batches.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following:

• Knowledge of the principles, practice, and current developments in the field of analytical toxicology.
• Knowledge of laboratory protocol, procedure, and techniques associated with medico-legal investigative work and biological specimens.
• Knowledge of the operation of highly sophisticated analytical instrumentation, including mass spectrometry techniques or others (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with successful sample preparation techniques for biological matrices such as protein precipitation, LLE, SLE or SPE.
• Demonstrated experienced in independently performing and recording complex standardized laboratory tests and procedures and data analysis.

Management Preferences:

• Previous analytical laboratory experience, including experience with Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and GC-MS instrumentation, is preferred with preference given to those candidates who have worked with a wide variety of analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in an accredited forensic laboratory and successful completion of a documented training program is also preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• The Forensic Chemist I will work in a laboratory and office environment of a moderately physical nature.
• The work requires long hours in a standing position.
• There is some occasional lifting, carrying of equipment, and repetitive motion.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements - Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience;
OR
• An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

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