Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Toxicology - Western Laboratory - CF016 (Agency Only)

Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Toxicology - Western Laboratory - CF016 (Agency Only)

State Role Title: Forensic Scientist II

Hiring Range: $58,108 - $102,070

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Western Lab

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

This position is only open to employees already employed with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform toxicology analyses at the Western Laboratory located in Roanoke, VA. The successful candidate will independently perform chemical analyses of human fluids and tissues in death and criminal investigations using chemical and instrumental methodologies, prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use in the criminal justice system, and provide court testimony on analytical results. Occasional overnight travel is required, and employee will provide own transportation as required.

To be considered as a qualified Forensic Scientist, candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in human biological samples. Candidates who are considered qualified Forensic Scientists will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program, the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.

The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework, internal or external training courses, and competency tests, but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Science's training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework, training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field with coursework in general, organic and analytical chemistry
• Work experience handling human biological samples
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory and demonstration of competency in human biological samples
• Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID and GC/NPD)
• Ability to work independently, set priorities and work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze, interpret data and develop conclusions
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and defend scientific findings in court
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Valid driver's license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience using advanced laboratory equipment/instrumentation such as LC/MS/MS, LC-QTOF-MS
• Work experience in a forensic science laboratory accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard
• Involvement with ANAB accreditation criteria
• Certification by a national forensic toxicology certification board, such as, American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Probationary Period: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new 12- month probationary period be served.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.