Forensic Laboratory Specialist II - Toxicology - Central Laboratory - GF563

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Division of Technical Services, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The move to the new facility is anticipated for the First Quarter of 2026.

This is a grant funded position. Grant Funding is approved through September 24, 2026.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to assist the Toxicology section of the Central Regional Laboratory. Duties of the position include administrative support to include scanning, copying, and filing data; routine laboratory maintenance such as cleaning glassware, waste disposal, and changing compressed gas cylinders; preparation of reagents; transfer of evidence, maintaining a secure and intact chain of custody; assistance typing and distributing Certificates of Analysis to agency customers. This position also trains to perform alcohol analysis using Headspace Gas Chromatography, preliminary drug screening using ELISA, and CO saturation determination using UV-VIS spectrophotometry; and may be required to testify in court to duties performed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience preparing solutions and reagents for use in a laboratory setting
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory environment, including standard laboratory equipment and safety procedures
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite programs
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, follow written protocols and oral instructions, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and independently perform routine duties
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations:

• Experience working in a laboratory environment operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation
• Experience performing and documenting QA procedures
• Experience handling biological fluids in a forensic or clinical toxicology laboratory
• Experience using laboratory information management software