Researcher IV/Forensic Toxicology Laboratory 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.

General Responsibilities

Working with a high degree of independence: 

• To oversee projects within the laboratory
• To assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation of lab activities. 
• To collect, enter, summarize, analyze, and interpret data. 
• To contribute significantly to the planning/design of studies. 
• To help develop long or short-term goals.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Conduct analytical procedures on postmortem forensic toxicology samples on behalf of Jefferson County Coroner's office and other customers.
2.  Conduct 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 as implementation of new instruments.
4. Liaise with customers including forensic pathologists, mortuary technicians, coroners’ officers and office staff.
5. Conducts 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. 
6.  Assists in development and validation of new methods on existing instrumentation as well as our expanding instrumentation portfolio.
7.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Hard & Soft Skills

1. Must have experience working with chromatographic instrumentation (e.g. GC/MS, LC-MS/MS)
2. Handling of human biological/toxicology samples
3. Experience in a scientific laboratory using basic laboratory equipment techniques and laboratory safety procedures
4. Interpersonal skills
5. Microsoft office
6. Ability to work as part of a team
7. Experience with method development and validation using analytical instrumentation
8. Employment experience in an accredited forensic science lab, or a CLIA-certified clinical testing laboratory
9. Experience of working with techniques used for handling forensic toxicology samples (e.g. solid phase extraction, liquid extraction)
10. Working experience with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ELISA and/or headspace-gas chromatograph

Qualifications

 Doctorate in a related field

• OR Master's degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience
• OR Bachelor’s degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience
• OR Associate's degree in related field and six (6) years of related experience

Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

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.