Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Toxicology - Eastern Laboratory - CF645

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Norfolk, VA

1d•$59,851 - $105,134•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform toxicology analyses at the Eastern Laboratory located in Norfolk, VA. The successful candidate will independently perform chemical analyses of human fluids and tissues in death and criminal investigations using chemical and instrumental methodologies, prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use in the criminal justice system, and provide court testimony on analytical results. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required. To be considered as a qualified Forensic Scientist, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in human biological samples. Candidates who are considered qualified Forensic Scientists will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with coursework in general, organic and analytical chemistry
Work experience handling human biological samples.
Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in human biological samples
Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples.
Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID and GC/NPD)
Ability to work independently, set priorities and work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze, interpret data and develop conclusions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and defend scientific findings in court.
Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
Valid driver's license and/or other means of reliable transportation
Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry (for Trainee)
Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses (for Trainee)
Possess good oral and written communication skills (for Trainee)
Valid driver’s license and/or have other means of reliable transportation (for Trainee)

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
Experience using advanced laboratory equipment/instrumentation such as LC/MS/MS, LC-QTOF-MS
Certification by a national forensic toxicology certification board, such as, American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training
Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship) (for Trainee)
Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment, techniques, laboratory safety, and QA/QC procedures. (for Trainee)

Responsibilities

Perform chemical analyses of human fluids and tissues in death and criminal investigations using chemical and instrumental methodologies.
Prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use in the criminal justice system.
Provide court testimony on analytical results.