Forensic Scientist - Toxicology

Duties

The major duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Analyzing biological matrices for the presence of volatiles, including ethanol
• Utilizing solid phase and/or supported liquid extraction techniques for screening/confirmation of blood and urine samples for the presence of illicit, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs
• Performing, processing, and reviewing GC/FID, GC/MS, ELISA, and LC-MS/MS instrumental data
• Participation in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols
• Performing technical review of batch and casework data
• Rigorously following all safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Documenting and performing casework duties in accordance with published laboratory procedures, with minimal errors and no pattern of deficiencies
• Assisting in ensuring conformance to laboratory accreditation standards
• Attending continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and professional meetings as time and resources allow
• Participating in method validation/verification studies as needed
• Providing expert testimony in courts of law as subpoenaed

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

Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science, forensic science, or other relevant field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working in a forensic toxicology laboratory, to include successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state or federal forensic science laboratory with demonstration of competency
• Independent knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze specimens submitted to the laboratory
• Documented training and demonstrated knowledge to the effects of alcohol and/or drugs on human performance and behavior
• Professional experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., ELISA, GC/MS, GC/FID, and LC-MS/MS) to identify volatiles and/or drugs in biological samples
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze samples, correctly interpret data and develop reasonable conclusions
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures

• An acceptable driving record is required.
• This position requires successful completion of an extensive background check, which includes a psychological evaluation, polygraph and a drug screen.

Experience Requirements

• Forensic Scientist: Successful completion of a Forensic Toxicology training program, with demonstrated competency. Two (2) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing forensic toxicological analyses. Salary range: $29.44 - $44.16 ($61,235 - $91,853 annualized).
• Senior Forensic Scientist: Successful completion of a Forensic Toxicology training program, with demonstrated competency. Five (5) years of independent forensic casework in the discipline of Toxicology. Courtroom testimony experience. Salary range: $32.23 - $48.35 ($67,038 - $100,568 annualized).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT).

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