Forensic Scientist IV - Toxicology Unit

Incumbents exercise analysis, judgment and interpretation of data, laws and policies and perform advanced or specialized work, involving diverse or complex factors or situations, based on a thorough knowledge of the Toxicology discipline. At this level, incumbents perform work that requires considerable independence in the exercise of judgment, in determining approaches and in the interpretation and application of policies, laws, standards and procedures.

In addition to the functions performed at the Forensic Scientist Level I, II and III, incumbents at this level may perform the following:

• Oversee the activities of an assigned work unit and/or work groups to ensure the timely processing of casework, continuous improvement of work processes and procedures, and to troubleshoot operational practices for non-conformance to laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, established standards, and research-based best practices for evaluating evidence within a pertinent forensic science discipline.
• Under the direction of a manager or employee of higher grade, conduct investigations of quality control within the unit when error is suspected or evident.
• Plan and supervise validation studies.
• Oversee and direct unit training program(s).
• Perform related duties as required, specifically those involving demonstration or application of knowledge skills and abilities required at hire or acquired on the job for the purpose of training those of lesser experience or assisting with unit-related duties.
• Decide whether to accept or reject materials sent to the laboratory for testing.
• Decide how cases must be delegated and assigned to Forensic Scientists of a lower grade based upon caseload, staffing strengths and other personnel considerations.
• Perform all other related duties as required.

In addition to possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities required for Forensic Scientist levels I, II and III, incumbents are required to have the following at the time of hire:

• Ability to determine whether benchmarks for casework productivity are being met.
• Ability to determine if investigative, analytical and chain of custody standards are being met.
• Ability to determine if methods for evaluating evidence and conducting administrative and technical reviews are yielding satisfactory results and valid conclusions.
• Ability to determine if projects, programs and procedures are meeting intended objectives and goals.
• Ability to decide when sufficient evidence exists to advise supervisors that a quality control investigation is warranted.
• Ability to determine the content of training presentations to be delivered to internal and external personnel relative to analytic, testing and sampling procedures.
• Ability to decide how cases must be delegated and assigned to Forensic Scientists of a lower grade based upon the caseload, staffing strengths and other personnel considerations.
• Ability to collect and analyze data, develop standard operating protocols and maintenance protocols and design worksheets in order to integrate into existing systems and generate final reports and studies.
• Ability to conduct internal audits according to established procedures.
• Ability to collect and organize, records, and information effectively in order to integrate into laboratory responses and actions.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelors degree in the natural sciences, including Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, Pharmacology or Physics and (A) at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a bench chemist or forensic scientist in a crime laboratory or comparable setting, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity and (C) full competence as a forensic analyst within an accredited laboratory within a relevant forensic science specialization, and documented experience in providing testimony as both an expert and material witness in legal proceedings or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Masters or higher degree in the natural sciences, including Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, Pharmacology or Physics, may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

Incumbents are required to have a current and valid motor vehicle drivers license at a class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.