Forensic Chemist - Toxicology

State of North Carolina

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Chemist – Toxicology performs complex analytical testing to identify volatiles and drugs in biological specimens for post-mortem forensic investigations. This position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner by generating accurate toxicology data used to determine cause and manner of death in unattended, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal cases. Work involves operating advanced instrumentation, including mass spectrometry systems, and applying validated methods for drug isolation and quantitation. The role requires independent analysis, data review, and certification of results to ensure compliance with forensic standards. Duties are performed in a highly technical laboratory environment under established protocols.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Expert-level experience operating and troubleshooting advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC-MS and LC-MS/MS systems, for forensic toxicology testing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in applying validated sample preparation techniques such as protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and supported liquid extraction for complex biological matrices.
• Documented skill in reviewing, interpreting, and certifying toxicology data sets, including quantitative batch analysis for volatiles and drugs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with forensic standards.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume case workflows independently, including prioritizing analyses and meeting established turnaround times in an accredited laboratory environment.
• Experienced preparing detailed technical documentation and reports that clearly communicate analytical findings to forensic pathologists and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and non-routine toxicology analyses on biological specimens using advanced instrumentation such as GC-MS and LC-MS/MS.
• Perform sample preparation techniques including protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and supported liquid extraction.
• Operate and maintain complex analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Review, interpret, and certify analytical data for volatiles and quantitative drug analysis batches.
• Document all testing procedures and results in accordance with forensic laboratory standards and accreditation requirements.
• Self-assign cases from pending analysis lists and prioritize workflow to meet established turnaround times.
• Collaborate with forensic pathologists by providing toxicology findings that support autopsy conclusions.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical issues to maintain continuous laboratory operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and quality assurance measures in all laboratory activities.
• Participate in method development and validation projects to improve analytical capabilities and efficiency.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive 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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees