Drug Screening Section Chemist I (DOH/SLD #10927)

The New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory (SL) is the sole public health laboratory for New Mexico. Specifically, the Forensic Toxicology Bureau tests for alcohol and drugs in DWI criminal cases and for autopsy cases. Our mission is to provide analytical laboratory support services and scientific advisement services for tax-supported agencies and groups or entities administering health and environmental programs for New Mexico citizens.

This position will support the Drug Screening section of the Forensic Toxicology Bureau.

Key Responsibilities:

Duties include accessioning of Implied Consent blood kits collected by law enforcement agencies throughout the state, data entry and review, preparation of chemical solutions, inventory of reagents and supplies, daily and weekly instrument maintenance, and other daily operational tasks as needed. The incumbent will perform carbon monoxide testing for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and may be trained to perform drug screening by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). This position will assist with subpoenas and court calendar assignments, preparing discovery orders, answering phone calls and emails from law enforcement personnel and/or law offices. Every effort should be made to support the facilitation of the judicial process. Incumbent must represent the bureau professionally during telephonic and in person interactions, as well as provide thorough documentation of all telephonic communications.

Who are our customers?

The duties of this job will be performed to contribute to the overall safety of the citizens throughout the state of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate:

1 year paid experience in chemical experimentation and analysis in a laboratory setting, any experience (academic or otherwise) with chromatography or immunoassay analyses, willing to follow instruction and unafraid to ask questions, able to work well and collaborate with others.

Working conditions:

Extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Punctuality and time management are key aspects of this position. Work is also performed in a fully functional laboratory with potential exposure to hazardous solvents, acids, bases, and chemical/biological agents.  Incumbent may be exposed to mechanical hazards due to extended standing and repetitive trunk, arm, hand & neck movements.  The position involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation and high-pressure gas cylinders.  In addition, the position requires the ability to lift and/or push 50 lbs.  Strict adherence to safety policy is mandatory and incumbents should be aware of exposure to odors, background noise, unknown compounds in samples, broken glassware, hot surfaces, and biological pathogens.

Employment requirements:

• Driver’s License
• This is a safety sensitive position. Incumbent will be required to pass a preemployment drug screen.
• In state and out of state travel may be required.
• Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training is required.
• Successful completion of Defensive Driving Certification is required.