WSLH Forensic Scientist - Toxicology III - PVL #314754

Job Summary:

This is a Forensic Scientist III position and will act as Quality Assurance/Quality Control Coordinator (QAQCC) within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) Forensic Toxicology Program. Performance of duties is under the general supervision of the Forensic Toxicology Section Director. This position is the technical expert and oversees the Quality Assurance and Quality Control practices of the program. Duties include preparation of QC and calibration materials for use in routine drug analysis, writing and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOP) using OnBase, perform yearly Internal Audits per accreditation requirements, represent the program during accreditation assessments, coordinate the reassessment of measurement uncertainty of lab methods annually, and coordinate the implementation of Academy Standards Board (ASB) guidelines. Additional program support for analytical, quality assurance, and other activities associated with the WSLH role as an ANAB ISO17025 and American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) accredited laboratory is necessary. Travel for courtroom testimony may also be required.

Responsibilities:

Identifies and develops new methodologies and sample preparation techniques. Performs non-routine testing, manages testing services, and provides results for alcohol and drugs of abuse in biological specimens. Serves as a subject matter technical expert and scientific leader to internal and external stakeholders.

• 5% Performs non-routine tests, identifies, and confirms the existence of alcohol and drugs of abuse, and serves as a consultant as it relates to testing outcomes
• 10% Directs, coordinates, and oversees the development, evaluation and implementation of new methodologies including techniques for new and novel drugs of abuse
• 30% Serves as a leading scientific subject matter expert and unit liaison to internal and external stakeholders, disseminates information, and answers questions from constituents as needed
• 10% Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data according to established policies and procedures
• 5% Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stakeholder groups through various mediums
• 10% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues
• 5% Provides training and other educational and outreach activities for various individuals and groups
• 5% Provides clear, objective case interpretation for court testimony to appropriate entities to relay scientific findings regarding the analysis and effects of alcohol and drugs on human performance and in medicolegal death investigations
• 20% Oversee Forensic Toxicology ANAB accreditation requirements. Ensure Program compliance with these standards through updating of standard operating procedures, performance of internal audits, & lab quality control & quality assurance processes

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Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology or other appropriate science field.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years Forensic Toxicology experience required. Experience in an ANAB accredited forensic laboratory preferred.
Knowledge of the theory of operation of GC Headspace, LCMS, GCMS and instrumentation. Experience in examining, interpreting, and reviewing analytical data from various types of instrumentation. An individual with an understanding of Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) principles within a forensic toxicology laboratory is required. Toxicological interpretation and technical review of results from the analysis of biological specimens for the presence of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Ability to work as part of a team and demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

-Knowledge of general, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry.
-Knowledge of the principles of gas and liquid chromatography and their application to analysis of drugs in biological materials.
-Knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology principles.
-Knowledge of analysis of biological specimens for drugs and poisons.
-Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and their application to screening and quantitation procedures.
-Excellent verbal communication skills are essential to meet the responsibilities of this position.
Effective use of quality principles and tools as well as effective team skills will be important. Exceptional customer service skills and interpersonal skills will be required.
This position regularly requires the individual to work with blood and other biological sample matrices.