Forensic Toxicologist

Soft Tox; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Soft Tox in Pontiac, MI is seeking a Forensic Toxicologist to perform high-complexity analytical testing on biological specimens to identify drugs, poisons, and alcohol, supporting death investigations and ensuring accurate, evidence-based conclusions. You will analyze findings, interpret data, and provide toxicology results used to determine cause and manner of death.

Collaboration with pathologists, investigators, and law enforcement is essential, with opportunities to provide expert testimony

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or related field.
• Two years of full-time analytical experience in forensic toxicology.
• Master’s degree in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or related field.
• At least one year of full-time analytical experience in forensic toxicology, testing toxic agents.
• Ph.D. in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or related field.
• Submit to annual tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray, at County expense.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity analytical testing on biological specimens to identify, quantify, and interpret drugs, poisons, alcohol, and other substances.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory findings to provide accurate, scientifically supported results.
• Provide critical toxicology data used in determining the cause and manner of death.
• Collaborate with pathologists, death investigators, law enforcement, and other professionals throughout the investigative process.
• Prepare and communicate scientific findings clearly and accurately.
• Provide expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, testing, and findings in legal proceedings.
• Utilize current County and department-specific software to document results and complete assignments.

Skills

Analytical testing

Toxicology testing

Scientific reporting

Legal testimony

Education

Bachelor's degree in toxicology/related field

Master’s degree in toxicology/related field

Ph.D. in toxicology/related field

Tools

Laboratory software

Job description

Salary: $85,818.00 - $114,981.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2026

Forensic Toxicology

Join our team in a highly specialized scientific role where your expertise directly supports death investigations and the pursuit of accurate, evidence-based answers. In this position, you’ll perform complex toxicological testing on biological specimens to identify and interpret the presence of drugs, poisons, and alcohol. Your work will provide critical scientific information to pathologists, death investigators, and law enforcement agencies and may play an important role in legal proceedings.

What You’ll Do

• Perform high-complexity analytical testing on biological specimens to identify, quantify, and interpret drugs, poisons, alcohol, and other substances.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory findings to provide accurate, scientifically supported results.
• Provide critical toxicology data used in determining the cause and manner of death.
• Collaborate with pathologists, death investigators, law enforcement, and other professionals throughout the investigative process.
• Prepare and communicate scientific findings clearly and accurately.
• Provide expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, testing, and findings in legal proceedings.
• Utilize current County and department-specific software to document results and complete assignments.

Why You’ll Love It

• Meaningful Work: Your scientific expertise directly contributes to death investigations and helps provide answers to families, investigators, and the community.
• Specialized Expertise: Apply advanced analytical and toxicological skills to complex, real-world cases.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside pathologists, investigators, law enforcement professionals, and other scientific experts.
• Professional Impact: Serve as a trusted scientific resource and have the opportunity to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Public Service: Build your career while contributing to work that supports public safety and the integrity of the investigative process.

Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required Minimum Qualifications

• 1. a. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or closely related field of study.
• 1. b. Have had two (2) years of full-time analytical experience in forensic toxicology;
• OR
• 2. a. Possess a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related field of study.
• 2. b. Have had at least one (1) year of full-time analytical experience in forensic toxicology, testing toxic agents;
• OR
• 3. Possess a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, forensic science or a closely related field of study.

Special Requirements

• Submit to annual tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray, at County expense.