Forensic Scientist (Toxicology)
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants to fill one Forensic Scientist position in our Toxicology Section.
Position Summary
• Location: Olathe, KS 66061
• Full-Time, 40 hours
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, with flexibility in start times and length of workdays (up to 12 hours)
• Position will be hired as a Forensic Scientist or Senior Forensic Scientist, based upon qualifications and experience.
• Hiring salary will be based upon experience and equity within the laboratory and is non- negotiable.
Position Duties, Experience Requirements, and Compensation
Forensic Scientist: $29.44 – $44.16 ($61,235 - $91,852 annualized)
• Job Description: Performs specialized forensic examinations of submitted evidence in the Toxicology discipline. Carries out a range of professional forensic assignments, conducts scientific testing, interprets test results, forms conclusions, prepares technical reports, provides scientific consultation, and testifies as an expert witness in a court of law.
• Experience Requirements: Successful completion of a training program with demonstrated competency within the relevant forensic discipline and one year of experience in a forensic laboratory as a Forensic Technician or Forensic Scientist.
Senior Forensic Scientist: $32.23 – $48.35 ($67,038 - $100,568 annualized)
• Job Description: Performs specialized forensic examinations of submitted evidence in the Toxicology discipline. Carries out a range of professional forensic scientist assignments, exercising considerable independent judgment regarding complex/nontraditional casework. Conducts scientific testing, interprets test results, forms conclusions, prepares technical reports, provides scientific consultation, and testifies as an expert witness in a court of law.
• Experience Requirements: Successful completion of a training program with demonstrated competency within the relevant forensic discipline and five years of independent forensic casework in the relevant discipline.
General Duties in Toxicology
In addition to the above descriptions, the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
• Analyzing biological matrices for the presence of volatiles, including ethanol
• Utilizing solid phase and/or supported liquid extraction techniques for screening/confirmation of blood and urine samples for the presence of illicit, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs
• Performing, processing, and reviewing GC/FID, GC/MS, ELISA, and LC-MS/MS instrumental data
• Participation in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols
• Performing technical review of batch and casework data
• Rigorously following all safety manuals, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Documenting and performing casework duties in accordance with laboratory procedures, with minimal errors and no pattern of deficiencies
• Assisting in ensuring conformance to laboratory accreditation standards
• Attending continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and professional meetings as time and resources allow
• Participating in method validation/verification studies as needed
• Providing expert testimony in courts of law as subpoenaed
Educational Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or other relevant field.
Preferred Qualifications
Certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT).
