Chemistry Supervisor I - Toxicology

State of North Carolina • Wake Forest, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chemistry Supervisor I provides supervisory and technical leadership within the forensic toxicology section of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This position oversees sample management operations and performs complex chemical analyses on post-mortem biological specimens to detect and quantify drugs and alcohol. The role supports medico-legal death investigations by ensuring accurate and timely laboratory testing aligned with established protocols. The Chemistry Supervisor I supervises a multidisciplinary team of administrative, evidence, and chemistry technicians and collaborates closely with senior laboratory leadership to maintain daily operations. This role also contributes to staff training, quality assurance, and laboratory outreach activities.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience supervising laboratory staff performing sample accessioning, volatile compound analysis, and data entry within a forensic toxicology or analytical chemistry environment.
• Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, and UV/VIS spectrophotometers, with a focus on troubleshooting and optimizing performance for complex biological matrices.
• Skilled in reviewing and interpreting toxicological data sets, including LC-MS targeted screening and quantitation, with the ability to assess consistency with case history and determine the need for additional testing.
• Experienced in developing and modifying standard operating procedures for chemical extraction techniques such as protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction, and liquid-liquid extraction, ensuring compliance with laboratory quality standards.
• Proven ability to train and mentor laboratory staff on technical procedures, batch review processes, and documentation practices, serving as a primary or secondary trainer for analytical modules and quality assurance protocols.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of chemistry technicians, administrative specialists, and evidence technicians responsible for sample accessioning, data entry, and specimen management.
• Coordinate daily laboratory operations including volatile compound analysis, LC-MS/MS quantitation, and specimen retention and disposal.
• Perform complex, non-routine chemical extractions and analyses using techniques such as protein precipitation, solid-phase, and liquid-liquid extraction.
• Operate and maintain advanced analytical instrumentation including GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, UV/VIS spectrophotometers, and robotic systems.
• Review analytical data for accuracy, consistency with case history, and compliance with quality standards; authorize additional testing when necessary.
• Train new staff on laboratory procedures, batch review processes, and preparation of analytical standards and reagents.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures and ensure documentation of any validated modifications to testing protocols.
• Participate in test assignment, case certification, and mentoring of temporary or junior staff as needed.
• Support laboratory outreach efforts through presentations, tours, and engagement with students or stakeholders.
• Provide backup supervision and operational support in the absence of the Chemistry Supervisor II to ensure continuity of laboratory functions.

Benefits

• State Health Plan and State of NC Employee Benefits
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager