Researcher III/Forensic Toxicology Lab Technician

We are thrilled to be expanding our lab and offering this position to join our small close-knit team at UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. The incumbent will conduct routine postmortem forensic toxicology testing, generating results for alcohol, drugs of abuse and prescription drugs in a CAP accredited laboratory while preserving the integrity and chain of custody of samples. They will assist in development and validation of new methods on existing instrumentation as well as our expanding instrumentation portfolio. As we see more and more emerging drugs in our samples this role is crucial to our existing and expanding scopes of testing.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Conduct analytical procedures on postmortem forensic toxicology samples on behalf of Jefferson County Coroner's office and other customers.
2. Assist with directed development and validation for new methods/drugs as required to meet the sections goals.
3. Assist in the maintenance of the laboratory's quality management system including routine instrument maintenance on existing instrumentation as well as implementation of new instruments.
4. Liaise with customers including forensic pathologists, mortuary technicians, coroner's officers and office staff.
5. Perform other duties as assigned

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Sets up and performs experiments and procedures in support of lab goals.
2. Develops and improves techniques for the lab.
3. Contributes to planning/design of studies.
4. Collects, enters, summarizes and analyzes data.
5. Monitors results, detects and reports unusual outcomes and suggests modifications.
6. May assist in planning long or short term goals/fiscal management.
7. Performs maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

   Qualifications

    
   • Master's degree in a related field
   • OR Bachelor s degree in related field and two (2) years of related experience 
   • OR Associate's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience required.

   Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement. 

   Preferred Skills

   1. Employment experience in an accredited forensic science lab, or a CLIA-certified clinical testing laboratory
   2. Experience of working with techniques used for handling forensic toxicology samples (e.g. solid phase extraction, liquid liquid extraction)
   3. Working experience with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ELISA and/or headspace-gas chromatography.
   4. Experience in a scientific laboratory using basic laboratory equipment techniques and laboratory safety procedures.

   UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.