Senior Toxicology Chemist

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates and develops methods for the isolation and identification of drugs and poisons in biological specimens with particular attention to accuracy and precision
• Maintains laboratory statistics, inventories and orders supplies
• Performs qualitative and quantitative assays for therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse and other substances in biological specimens
• Provides training in analytical techniques, methodologies and instrumentation for junior personnel
• Exhibits proficiency in the operation of sophisticated analytical instrumentation including Gas Chromatography, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry to include development of new instrumental methods and evaluation of instrument conditions
• Assists the Chief Toxicologist in the development and monitoring of compliance with the laboratory quality assurance and safety program; participates in proficiency and quality control programs; analytical results must consistently fall within acceptable limits as defined by submitting agencies and written policies
• Investigates non-compliance with quality control requirements and initiates corrective actions
• Distributes, collects and submits proficiency tests; prepares and issues written reports on proficiency tests detailing accuracy and efficiency of work
• Conducts batch review and ensures work is in compliance with laboratory SOP and quality assurance program; Maintains quality assurance records and submits reports to Chief Toxicologist for review
• Receives, accessions, aliquots, extracts, analyzes and stores biological specimens in accordance with written laboratory procedures and in adherence with evidentiary chain of custody practices
• Prepares and transfers specimens to other laboratories for further testing in adherence with chain of custody requirements and written laboratory procedures
• Assists in the destruction of stored specimens or the return of such specimens to the original contributor in adherence with laboratory policy and the normal standards of forensic practice
• Maintains laboratory records and reports in accordance with standard forensic practice and submits reports to the Chief Toxicologist for review
• Prepares reagents, buffers and standards used in analysis in accordance with written procedures
• Testifies in Court concerning laboratory procedures, protocols, analysis and as an expert in the field of forensic toxicology
• Handles hazardous materials and hazardous waste, ensuring proper safety precautions are taken in storing and disposition of these materials; engages in good laboratory practices to ensure the safety of all laboratory personnel; practices universal precautions when handling biological materials
• Reads the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure manual on a yearly basis and complies with those procedures
• May perform final technical case review for the Chief Toxicologist in a relief capacity as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner
• Performs related duties as required

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field with five (5) years laboratory experience in toxicology OR; a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or a related field with seven (7) years of laboratory experience.
• Must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, fellow or diplomat in forensic toxicology, or become certified within two years
• Comprehensive knowledge of analytical chemistry and instrument theory; knowledge of toxicology and laboratory equipment operation
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to perform statistical analysis; ability to organize and compile data; ability to operate personal computer and basic office equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside organizations, the news media and the general public
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation from Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bexar County Human Resources Office
• Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
• Must have available transportation during entire workday; must have a valid driver's license
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• Working in indoor conditions; laboratory environment with frequent exposure to blood, biological materials, and infectious diseases; occasional exposure to hazardous materials, chemical solvents, corrosive chemicals, flammable liquids, unfavorable fumes, vapors or odors, and radiation
• Frequently moves items weighing up to 10 pounds
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 20-30 pounds
• Occasionally moves about the laboratory and office
• Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Must have hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate complex laboratory equipment
• Positions self to perform essential functions
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position

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