Forensic Toxicologist

Job Description

The Toxicology Laboratory of the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Oklahoma City, OK is seeking a qualified Forensic Toxicologist. Under the general direction of the Chief Forensic Toxicologist, the position assists in planning, organizing and guiding the forensic toxicology activities of the OCME.

These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Assists in responsibilities for the daily activities of the toxicology laboratory potentially including overseeing of forensic chemists and planning daily work schedules.
• Assists in responsibilities for directing the development and validation of technical methods and procedures, and their subsequent incorporation into the toxicology laboratory.
• Performs technical and administrative review of analytical and quality control data.
• Prepares reports of laboratory analysis consisting of toxicological testing performed and associated results.
• Functions as a consultant to the Chief Medical Examiner and forensic pathologists in matters relating to the interpretation of analytical toxicologic findings and other considerations involved in evaluating the role of drugs or other poisons in death investigations which come under the jurisdiction of the OCME.
• Provides expert testimony in court as to the accuracy, precision, and overall reliability of the analytical toxicology protocols employed by the laboratory, in addition to testimony concerning the interpretation of analytical determinations.
• Assists the Chief Forensic Toxicologist with other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of state of the art analytical instrumentation and procedures pertaining to analytical toxicology, pharmacological and toxicological principles, and the forensic toxicology literature. Possesses skills necessary to be a successful forensic scientist.
• Knowledge of common laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control practices.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze samples, correctly interpret data and develop reasonable conclusions.
• Possess a sufficient knowledge base, judgment and interpersonal skills to provide direction to staff level forensic chemists and support staff in order to competently conduct effective toxicology laboratory operations.
• Skilled in clearly communicating with physicians, law enforcement, attorneys and judges as well as with professional associates and peers at the national level, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications / Education and Experience

• Education
  • Doctorate degree from accredited university in toxicology or closely related field.
    • Applications will be considered from individuals in the final stages of receiving their doctorate degree. Before employment can be considered, verification of degree, or confirmation from the graduate program of expected completion of the degree, is required.

OR;

• • A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science or closely related field.

• Experience and Training
  • Minimum employment/experience in a forensic toxicology laboratory (preferably postmortem), to include successful completion of a documented training program and/or demonstrated competency. Experience may be prior to degree completion. Experience requirements include the following:
    • Master’s degree applicant must have at least 5 years of experience in a forensic toxicology laboratory.
  • Familiarity with a quality management system (ABFT or ISO 17025:2017 desirable).
  • Certification or eligibility for certification as a Diplomat or Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology.

Salary

• Master's Candidate - $76,000 - $96,000
• Doctoral Candidate - $90,000 - $123,000

Other Requirements

• The applicant must successfully complete a background investigation prior to the start of employment.
• Applications are to be submitted to the State of Oklahoma Careers website (search "Forensic Toxicologist")    https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/okgovjobs

Special Considerations

• For suitable candidates who do not meet all of the qualifications listed above, the position may be filled at a lower level dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. However, a successful candidate must meet the educational requirements stated in the qualifications.

Time Line

 Anticipated start date is no sooner than December 1, 2025.

• Open until filled.

Questions can be directed to Jesse Kemp, Chief Forensic Toxicologist - [email protected]