Forensic Scientist (Toxicology)

Duties

Forensic Scientist I or II

• Operates specialized software on equipment and multiple computer platforms, and conducts analysis of physical evidence; implements evidence control; documents and maintains chain of custody and preserves the integrity of evidence examined.
• Properly documents analytical results and supports conclusions; interprets and analyzes test results; completes comprehensive reports; collects statistical data and maintains case files.
• Conducts research, evaluates, recommends and updates existing procedures and participates in the development and validation of new methods and/or instrumentation.
• Operates, calibrates, troubleshoots and performs minor repairs and preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Reviews data and reports of other scientists using technical and/or administrative review protocols.
• Prepares evidence for presentation in court; prepares court exhibits; provides interpretation of examinations conducted; provide expert testimony in court.
• Determines proper scientific testing techniques and performs chemical, instrumental and toxicological analyses of biological fluids for the presence and amount of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Isolates, separates, and identifies analytes (qualitatively or quantitatively) from various matrices including biological fluids.

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

Requirements

Ideal Candidates for Forensic Scientist (Toxicology) will possess the following:

• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory and familiarization with the program requirements for Forensic Toxicology and Blood Alcohol Labs
• Experience determining proper scientific testing techniques and performing chemical, instrumental and toxicological analyses of biological fluids (blood) for the presence and amount of drugs and alcohol
• Experience isolating, separating, and identifying analytes (qualitatively or quantitatively) from various matrices, including biological fluids.
• Knowledge and experience in preparing and validating standards
• Experience with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Liquid Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS), and Gas Chromatograph with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) instruments
• Knowledge of pharmacology/pharmacokinetics
• Certified Diplomate, Fellow, or Technical Specialist from the American Board of Criminalists (ABC) or Certified Diplomate or Certified Fellow from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Courtroom testimony experience

Forensic Scientist I

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or applied science.
• Three (3) years full-time professional work experience related to the particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483.
• Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
• Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years.Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.

Forensic Scientist II

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with science courses
• Six (6) years of full-time professional work experience related to the particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses
• If initially hired as a Forensic Scientist Trainee, successful completion of probation and two (2) additional years of satisfactory, continuous service with the Henderson Police Department (HPD) followed by three (3) additional years as a Forensic Scientist I with the HPD. If initially hired as a Forensic Scientist I, successful completion of probation plus two (2) additional years of satisfactory, continuous service as a Forensic Scientist I with the Henderson Police Department
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or “border state” driver’s license, as defined by NRS 483
• Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
• Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment
• Must be certified in one of the following areas within three years of employment or promotion to this position:
• Certified Diplomate, Fellow, or Technical Specialist from the American Board of Criminalists
• Certified Diplomate or Certified Fellow from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Certification(s) in drug chemistry or toxicology from other recognized and accepted forensic certifying organizations
• Desirable: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or physical science or a forensic science-related field

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