Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Scientist I
About The Position
This position works within the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory and is responsible for all aspects of testing donor specimens, including specimen preparation and instrument operation. The role is based in Lenexa, Kansas, and is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The position maintains forensic specimen chain of custody and follows approved sample-handling procedures and departmental standard operating procedures. It includes preparing and verifying reagents, ensuring calibrators and quality-control samples are included in each batch, conducting routine equipment maintenance, programming sample-analysis sequences, and performing basic data review. The scientist also supports method and instrument validation and validation of calibrators, controls, and analytical procedures. The role requires complete documentation, monitoring temperature-dependent equipment, maintaining an organized work area, meeting productivity and quality expectations, completing assigned continuing education and competency checks, and following supervisor direction and company and department policies. A Bachelor of Science or Arts degree with specified coursework in chemistry, biology, and mathematics, or applicable regulatory requirements, is preferred. At least one year of laboratory experience and knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures are preferred.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science or Arts degree with at least 15 semester hours in Chemistry, 15 semester hours in Biology, and 3 semester hours of Mathematics, or applicable regulatory requirements (preferred).
- Ability to perform routine and repetitive motions, such as pipetting.
- Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of laboratory experience.
- Knowledge of methods and procedures used by the laboratory.
- The stated bachelor's degree and coursework or applicable regulatory requirements are preferred.
Responsibilities
- Maintain chain of custody for forensic specimens and follow approved sample-handling procedures.
- Maintain competency in departmental standard operating procedures; prepare and verify new reagents; ensure required calibrators and quality-control samples are included in each batch; demonstrate sound analytical technique; perform routine maintenance of equipment; program sequence tables for sample analysis; and conduct basic data review.
- Maintain legible and complete documentation.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Perform and document checks of temperature-dependent equipment.
- Participate in method and/or instrument validation studies to quality standards.
- Participate in validation of new calibrators, controls, and new or modified analytical procedures.
- Maintain acceptable productivity and quality levels, and notify the Supervisor and/or Group Lead of equipment or production problems.
- Complete assigned continuing education activities and competency verification checks.
- Follow the direction of the Supervisor and/or Group Lead and adhere to company and department policies.
- Complete required quality-control and quality-assurance documentation related to the job function.
- Follow the work schedule as defined by the Supervisor.
- Maintain a professional work environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
- Well-being programs.
- Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
- healthyMINDS mental health program.
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
- Six holidays plus one MyDay off.
- FinFit financial coaching and services.
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Life and disability insurance, with a buy-up option.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Annual incentive plans.
- Matching gifts program.
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
- Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all hours on second shift and 15% for some or all hours on third shift.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
