Toxicology Chemist
How to apply: You must submit an application at the external link provided. Handshake is used for advertising purposes only.
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact the Division of Public Health's Human Resources office at 919-707-5450.
About This Job:
The Forensic Chemist I is a highly technical position conducting validation, and performance of routine and non-routine assays required by a post-mortem, forensic toxicology laboratory. This position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the State Medical Examiner System through the discovery of primary and secondary causes of unattended, unwitnessed, accidental, suicidal or homicidal deaths. The Forensic Chemist I self-assigns work from the pending list of analyses for the isolation of drugs from biological specimens and pertinent evidence using highly sophisticated analytical instrumentation. The testing performed is highly complex and involves all manner of biological specimens. Results of the work are combined with preliminary autopsy findings to render final conclusions as to the cause and manner of death. Decisions may directly affect the safety and health of the public where dangerous and/or toxic substances are identified as a cause of death. In addition, the Forensic Chemist I is responsible for review and certification of analytical data such as volatiles analysis and other LC/MS/MS quantitative batches.
Qualified candidates must document on the application that they possess all of the following:
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and current developments in the field of analytical toxicology.
- Knowledge of laboratory protocol, procedure, and techniques associated with medico-legal investigative work.
- Experience operating highly sophisticated analytical instrumentation, including mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS and/or GC-NPD).
- Ability in successful sample preparation techniques, including LLE, SPE and SLE.
- Experience in independently performing and recording complex standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
- Ability to express technical information clearly, both orally and in writing, when reporting results or explaining procedures to others.
- Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
Management Preferences
- Experience with Gas Chromatography (GC) and GC/MS instrumentation, with preference given to those candidates who have worked with a wide variety of analytical instrumentation, Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques in particular.
- Experience working in an accredited forensic laboratory
Physical Requirements
- The Forensic Chemist I will work in a laboratory and office environment of a moderately physical nature.
- The work requires long hours in a standing position.
- There is some occasional lifting, carrying of equipment, and sometimes awkward positioning to achieve desired results, especially for specimen maintenance.
Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry.