Forensic Seized Drug Analyst II

1. Overview

An overview of the work, briefly summarizing the job, the main purpose, the objectives, and the results expected.

This position will perform complex analytical procedures to determine the presence of suspected controlled substances from evidence submitted by law enforcement, interpret and evaluate analytical results for reporting purposes, review and evaluate case contents to ensure work is scientifically valid and meets all laboratory requirements, and prepare written reports and testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Additionally, the position will assist with maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing specialized instrumentation including GC/MS, FTIR, and LC-MS/MS. The position will also assist with validations of new methods and instrumentation, QA tasks including weekly and monthly maintenance on instruments, inventory of chemicals and standards, internal audits, document and procedure review, safety risk evaluations, and scheduling instruments for service.

2. Knowledge, Skills and Certifications

Specific qualifications needed to perform the job including, necessary licenses, knowledge, skills, education, experience, training, and technical skills.

• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Forensic Science with at least six years experience in an analytical laboratory
• At least 24 semester hours of Chemistry, which includes at least 8 semester hours of Analytical Chemistry
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners
• Previous experience examining evidence in a forensic lab for the presence of controlled substances and testifying in a court of law
• Previous experience signing / issuing final case reports
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory
• Experience working with Quality Assurance and Control practices and procedures
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
• Experience performing validations
• Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, FTIR and LC-MS/MS
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, a LIMS system, and instrumentation software

3. Duties and Deliverable (Outline of specific job duties)

Specific duties required of the resource, as well as any expected deliverables, including necessary travel expectations.

• Maintain care, custody and control of evidence to meet laboratory, legal, and accreditation standards
• Select specimens for testing and determine a sampling plan based on the evidence available
• Prepare and document the preparation of reagents and standards
• Perform basic statistical analyses on results
• Prepare analytical reports that summarize your findings
• Participate in staff meetings
• Provide support to law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys
• Participate in Proficiency Testing and other Quality Control Programs
• Provide testimony in a court of law for criminal proceedings
• Serve as back up evidence technician as needed
• Assist in maintaining laboratory accreditation (ISO 17025) as needed

4. Schedule

Summary of work schedule, including normal working hours, on-call expectations, allowed time off (which is non-billable), ability to work remote.

This job is scheduled for 40 hours per week.  Normal working hours are between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays.  There is currently no, or limited, ability to work remotely.

5. Other Special Requirements (Malpractice Insurance, etc.)

Candidate must be qualified to handle controlled substances under federal regulations 21 CFR § 1301.76.