Forensic Toxicologist (Certifying Scientist)
Submit applications: careers.dc.gov
Job Summary
This position is located in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) Forensic Toxicology Division. The mission of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is to investigate all deaths in the District of Columbia that occur as a result of violence (injury), as well as those that occur unexpectedly, without medical attention, in custody, or pose a threat to public health.
The incumbent serves as a Forensic Toxicologist (Certifying Scientist), whose responsibilities include reviewing data produced by the toxicological analyses performed herein, including screening and confirmatory tests for alcohol, drugs, and other substances, participation in research projects, assisting in the operation of the forensic toxicology laboratory, and performs other related duties as required. The incumbent is responsible for the scientific and technical performance of the reviewed data, is a signatory on final toxicology reports, and attests to the validity of the laboratory’s reports.
Duties and Responsibilities
Performs data review on a wide range of toxicological examinations for drugs and alcohol, including commonly used illegal, prescription, and non-prescription drugs and other selected poisonous substances. Maintains equipment and instruments and assures the integrity of data by servicing and calibrating equipment and instruments and performing quality control testing. Consults with vendors and other scientific specialists regarding the nature of evidence, laboratory analysis, and other procedures. Provides limited expert testimony concerning work performed and chemical properties impacting analysis.
Assists with the inventory of laboratory equipment and consumables and liaises with vendors and service contractors regarding instrument maintenance and troubleshooting. Assists in research projects for publication in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at scientific conferences. Assists with the review of quality control material for verification of use, analysis of QC trends, and additional QA/QC material as assigned. Assists with preparing final toxicology reports for postmortem, DUI, and DFSA case submissions.
Qualifications and Education
Degree: toxicology; or an appropriate discipline of the biological, medical, or veterinary sciences that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, biochemistry, or physiology, and 12 semester hours in toxicology.
Licensure and Certifications
None
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in a laboratory setting
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Term Appointment
Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-415-12
Salary Range: $80,784.00 - $103,333.00; based on funding
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
This position is designated as essential (DPM Chapter 12) and will be required to report to work and remain in the event of inclement weather, a declared emergency, or government closing.
Position Designation: This position is deemed as “security” sensitive and “emergency” per DPM Chapters 4 (Suitability) and 12 (Essential/Emergency). The candidate/incumbent is subject to a criminal background check, traffic records check, and consumer credit check (as applicable), reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test, and post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
