Forensic Scientist - Toxicology III

University of Wisconsin Madison; Brantford; On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Forensic Scientist III to lead quality assurance and control within their forensic toxicology program. This role involves overseeing QC practices, preparing calibration materials, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in forensic toxicology, analytical chemistry, and excellent communication skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and excellence in forensic science, where your expertise will contribute to impactful outcomes in public safety and justice.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of Forensic Toxicology experience required.
• Knowledge of quality control and assurance principles is essential.
• Ability to work with blood and biological sample matrices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Quality Assurance and Quality Control practices.
• Perform non-routine testing for alcohol and drugs of abuse.
• Prepare and review standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Skills

Forensic Toxicology

Quality Control (QC)

Quality Assurance (QA)

Analytical Chemistry

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's Degree in Biology

Tools

GC Headspace

LCMS

GCMS

OnBase

Job description

Job Summary:

This is a Forensic Scientist III position and will act as Quality Assurance/Quality Control Coordinator (QAQCC) within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) Forensic Toxicology Program. Performance of duties is under the general supervision of the Forensic Toxicology Section Director. This position is the technical expert and oversees the Quality Assurance and Quality Control practices of the program. Duties include preparation of QC and calibration materials for use in routine drug analysis, writing and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOP) using OnBase, perform yearly Internal Audits per accreditation requirements, represent the program during accreditation assessments, coordinate the reassessment of measurement uncertainty of lab methods annually, and coordinate the implementation of Academy Standards Board (ASB) guidelines. Additional program support for analytical, quality assurance, and other activities associated with the WSLH role as an ANAB ISO17025 and American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) accredited laboratory is necessary. Travel for courtroom testimony may also be required.

Responsibilities:
Identifies and develops new methodologies and sample preparation techniques. Performs non-routine testing, manages testing services, and provides results for alcohol and drugs of abuse in biological specimens. Serves as a subject matter technical expert and scientific leader to internal and external stakeholders.

• 5% Performs non-routine tests, identifies, and confirms the existence of alcohol and drugs of abuse, and serves as a consultant as it relates to testing outcomes


• 10% Directs, coordinates, and oversees the development, evaluation and implementation of new methodologies including techniques for new and novel drugs of abuse


• 30% Serves as a leading scientific subject matter expert and unit liaison to internal and external stakeholders, disseminates information, and answers questions from constituents as needed


• 10% Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data according to established policies and procedures


• 5% Prepares technical reports, makes scientific recommendations based on findings, and presents materials to stakeholder groups through various mediums


• 10% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues


• 5% Provides training and other educational and outreach activities for various individuals and groups


• 5% Provides clear, objective case interpretation for court testimony to appropriate entities to relay scientific findings regarding the analysis and effects of alcohol and drugs on human performance and in medicolegal death investigations


• 20% Oversee Forensic Toxicology ANAB accreditation requirements. Ensure Program compliance with these standards through updating of standard operating procedures, performance of internal audits, & lab quality control & quality assurance processes

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For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology or other appropriate science field.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years Forensic Toxicology experience required. Experience in an ANAB accredited forensic laboratory preferred.
Knowledge of the theory of operation of GC Headspace, LCMS, GCMS and instrumentation. Experience in examining, interpreting, and reviewing analytical data from various types of instrumentation. An individual with an understanding of Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) principles within a forensic toxicology laboratory is required. Toxicological interpretation and technical review of results from the analysis of biological specimens for the presence of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Ability to work as part of a team and demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

-Knowledge of general, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry.
-Knowledge of the principles of gas and liquid chromatography and their application to analysis of drugs in biological materials.
-Knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology principles.
-Knowledge of analysis of biological specimens for drugs and poisons.
-Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and their application to screening and quantitation procedures.
-Excellent verbal communication skills are essential to meet the responsibilities of this position.
Effective use of quality principles and tools as well as effective team skills will be important. Exceptional customer service skills and interpersonal skills will be required.
This position regularly requires the individual to work with blood and other biological sample matrices.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications

Additional Information:

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

How to Apply:

To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.

If you have questions, you may email [e-mail] or call Dan Makovec, 608-890-1011.

Contact:

Dan Makovec
[e-mail]
608-890-1011
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Forensic Scientist - Tox III(HS100)

Department(s):

A52-WI STATE LAB OF HYGIENE/FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

314754-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Division Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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