Responsibilities

Ph.D. graduates or candidates with a projected award date no later than August 1, 2024, are encouraged to apply. See Trainee section below for details.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified Forensic Toxicologist to perform postmortem and human performance toxicology testing and provide testimony about the effects of alcohol and/or drugs on human performance and behavior in the Central Laboratory, located in Richmond, Virginia. The candidate will independently analyze human fluids and tissues in postmortem, DUI/DUID and other criminal cases using chemical and instrumental methodologies, critically evaluate data, prepare and issue Certificates of Analysis, and interpret and defend results in courts of law. Frequent travel, occasionally overnight, is required and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related scientific field
Education shall include general and organic chemistry with at least one course related to analytical science (e.g., analytical chemistry, quantitative analysis or mass spectrometry) and one course or supplemental training related to understanding the physiological effects of alcohol, drugs, and/or other substances (e.g., forensic toxicology, pharmacology, or medicinal chemistry)
Employment experience in a forensic toxicology laboratory, to include 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
Independent knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze specimens submitted to the laboratory
Documented training and demonstrated knowledge to the effects of alcohol and/or drugs on human performance and behavior
Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
Professional experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID, GC/NPD and LC/MS/MS) to identify alcohol and/or drugs in biological samples
Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
Ability to work independently, set priorities, work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze samples, correctly interpret data and develop reasonable conclusions
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to work well independently and on a team
Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

Certification or eligibility for certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology
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 in forensic related teaching/training

Trainee: If a Forensic Toxicologist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Toxicologist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $73,492. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Forensic Toxicologist Trainee training program. Upon successful completion of Forensic Toxicologist training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Toxicologist. The training will last approximately 18 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications.

A successful Forensic Toxicologist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical, deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, communication, teamwork and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related scientific field
Applications will be considered from individuals who will receive their Ph.D. within approximately 3 months of filing their application. Before employment can be considered, verification of the degree, or confirmation from the graduate program of expected completion of the degree, is required. The selected candidate must have been awarded the degree by the start of employment
Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
Ability to work well independently and on a team
Possess good oral and written communication skills
Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Trainee Additional Considerations:

Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (employment and/or internship)
Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID, GC/NPD and LC/MS/MS)

Compensation

Forensic Toxicologist Hiring Range: $87,053 - $116,660

Trainee Hiring Salary: $73,492

How to apply

Applications will be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received. After 5 business days, this position may be closed at any time.

To view position details and to apply, click on the link below: Forensic Toxicologist or Trainee – Toxicology – Central Laboratory – CF646

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