Director, Drugs of Abuse Lab

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical school in Worcester seeks a Director for the Drugs of Abuse Lab. This role involves managing laboratory functions, ensuring the security of legal evidence, and developing solutions based on technical knowledge. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in forensic science and analytical chemistry, along with excellent communication skills and experience in staff supervision.

Qualifications

• At least five years of professional experience as a bench chemist or forensic scientist.
• Competence in forensic science and experience in legal testimony.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily laboratory activities, including staff interaction and quality review.
• Devise protocols and procedures for forensic science innovations.
• Oversee training, education, performance, and staffing.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Forensic Science

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural sciences

Job description

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Position: Director, Drugs of Abuse Lab

Job Number: 2025-47978

Category: Other

Location: Worcester, MA

Shift: Day

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School

Department: School - Drugs Of Abuse Lab - W821200

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary Grade: 46

Union Code: Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional

Num. Openings: 1

Post Date: May 9, 2025

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration, the incumbent manages and participates in the functions of the Drugs of Abuse Laboratory, responsible for the security and analysis of legal evidence for criminal court submissions. The role requires developing solutions based on deep technical knowledge, exercising independent judgment, and shaping policy with technical guidance and advice.

Essential Functions

In addition to the functions at levels I-IV, incumbents may:

• Participate in research and development trials to evaluate new laboratory techniques.
• Manage daily laboratory activities, including staff interaction, quality review, policies, and purchasing.
• Devise protocols and procedures for forensic science innovations.
• Ensure accuracy of analytical procedures and instrumentation.
• Communicate with staff and external personnel.
• Manage forensic scientists and evidence office staff.
• Oversee training, education, performance, staffing, and disciplinary actions.
• Validate new instruments and techniques for casework.
• Determine procedures for new instruments and analysis methods.
• Implement findings from research projects.
• Manage laboratory budget and prepare reports.
• Maintain records and testify in court.
• Assist with workload and evaluate new analytical tools.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in natural sciences with at least five years of professional experience as a bench chemist or forensic scientist, including competence in forensic science and experience in legal testimony.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry and drug analysis.
• Strong communication skills for interaction within and outside the organization.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and visual acuity for laboratory work.

Knowledge and Experience

Must have at hire:

• Knowledge of staff supervision, project management, research design, and forensic legal systems.
• Understanding of evidence custody, calibration standards, and troubleshooting analytical equipment.
• Awareness of contemporary forensic science developments.
• Ability to collaborate on research and grant development.
• Completion of educational requirements for forensic drug analysis accreditation.

UMass Chan Medical School was recognized as a 2023 “DEI champion” by The Boston Globe and was named a U.S. News & World Report “2023 Best Medical School” for Primary Care and Research.