Forensic Toxicologist - Independent Contractor

Soft Tox; Grants Pass (OR); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Godoy Medical Forensics, Inc. is seeking an experienced Forensic Toxicologist to provide expert scientific consultation and testimony services as an independent contractor.

This project-based role offers flexible, remote work with compensation on an hourly basis and potential travel for testimony as needed. The ideal candidate will review laboratory data and medical records, render objective toxicology opinions, and testify in court.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field is required.
• At least 2 years of lab experience with blood and bodily fluids.
• Ability to explain complex toxicology concepts in layman's terms.

Responsibilities

• Review lab results and medical records for substance exposure and impairment.
• Provide expert opinions and testimony in legal proceedings.
• Prepare comprehensive written reports and summaries of findings for attorneys.
• Collaborate with prosecution and defense teams as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Report writing

Independent worker

Testimony skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

Microscopy

Chromatography

Spectrograph analysis

Job description

Forensic Toxicologist - Independent Contractor

Location: Remote. Open to all Western or Southwest US locations.
Position: Independent Contractor, project-based work with variable caseload (5-20 hours per week). No guaranteed hours.
Reports to: Director of Operations/CEO
Supervisory responsibilities: None
Compensation: $75-110/hour - see detailed rate schedule below.

About the Company

Godoy Medical Forensics, Inc. is a rapidly growing legal consulting company that provides medical expert witness services to attorneys, primarily in criminal cases. Founded in 2009, we have evolved into a prominent consulting firm with a diverse team of experts, including physicians, toxicologists, forensic interviewers, and Registered Nurses (RNs). We offer expert opinions in numerous forensic areas, including sexual assault, child abuse, gunshot wounds, assault, DUI, and homicide cases. We are retained by both the prosecution and the defense, with a significant portion of our cases coming from defense attorneys. Join us as we continue to expand our influence in the field of forensic medicine and expert consultation.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Forensic Toxicologist to provide expert scientific consultation and testimony services as an independent contractor. This unique opportunity allows you to expand your professional expertise into the fascinating world of forensic science and legal consultation, where your specialized knowledge becomes crucial to the pursuit of justice.

This role offers the chance to apply your toxicology expertise in high-stakes criminal and civil legal cases where you will analyze complex scenarios involving drug impairment, poisoning cases, DUI prosecutions, exposure incidents, and other forensic situations that require specialized scientific interpretation.

The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical thinking skills and can think critically when examining how substances interact with the human body under various circumstances. You will need to consider factors such as metabolism rates, drug interactions, timing of exposure, and individual physiological variations, while being able to explain complex toxicological concepts in clear, understandable terms that help juries grasp the scientific evidence and how it relates to the specific elements of each case.

In this role, you will review laboratory results and medical records, provide expert scientific opinions, and testify in legal proceedings related to substance exposure, impairment, and toxicological evidence. You will work with both prosecution and defense attorneys, ensuring objective scientific analysis that serves the pursuit of justice while maintaining the highest standards of forensic toxicology practice.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Record Review & Analysis: Review laboratory results, toxicology reports, and medical records related to substance exposure and impairment.
• Report Writing: Prepare comprehensive written reports and expert opinions based on medical record review and examination findings.
• Expert Testimony: Provide expert testimony at depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings via telephone, video conference, or in-person appearance.
• Case Consultation: Collaborate with attorneys to provide toxicological expertise and strategic insights.
• Professional Development: Stay current with medical literature, research, and developments in forensic toxicology.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed time records and submit accurate invoices in accordance with company procedures.
• Travel: Out-of-state travel may be required with short notice for testimony.

Required Education, Experience and Skills

Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related scientific field required.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of related laboratory experience in testing blood and other bodily fluids
• Experience with microscopic techniques, chromatography, and spectrograph analysis
• Forensic/criminology laboratory background preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex toxicology concepts in layman's terms
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Professional demeanor and appearance for testimony
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with electronic records and computer systems

Compensation Structure

Pre-Trial Services

• Record review, verbal report and report writing: $75.00-100.00/hour
• Half-day flat rate (up to 4 hours): $450.00
• Each additional hour: $85.00-110.00/hour
• Telephonic/deposition (hourly): $85.00-110.00/hour

Travel

• Travel time: one-half the pre-trial rate
• Airfare, rental car/fuel, transfers, lodging: reimbursed at cost

Completion bonus: upon successful closure of the case per the attorney, contractor receives a completion bonus equal to 100% of all amounts previously billed and approved by the Company.

Other Job Requirements

Home office requirements:

• Dedicated, quiet, and distraction-free working space
• Access to high-speed internet connection
• Ability to maintain professional appearance and environment during video conferences
• Availability to accept cases on short notice when needed

Professional requirements:

• Maintain current professional liability insurance
• Comply with all confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements
• Maintain professional standards and ethical conduct
• Clean criminal background

Physical demands: Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods and stand/walk during court appearances; communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and colleagues by phone, video conference, and in person; and see details on computer screens, read printed materials, and review PDF documents.

What We Offer

• Marketing support: We promote your expertise to potential clients and help showcase your qualifications to expand your professional network.
• Administrative support: Our team handles all billing, funding, and paperwork coordination. We serve as the primary contact for clients regarding contracts, discovery, and administrative matters, allowing you to focus on your toxicology expertise.
• Streamlined payment processing: Secure direct deposit payments through Melio, a trusted online platform, for convenient and timely compensation.
• Professional development: Opportunities for continued learning and growth in forensic toxicology through exposure to diverse and challenging cases.
• Expert network: Access to collaborate with a network of medical and forensic professionals across multiple specialties.
• Cancellation bonus: Available if testimony is cancelled within 10 days of the scheduled date.
• Case variety: Exposure to diverse and interesting cases across multiple legal areas including DUI, homicide, assault, and civil litigation.

Application Process

Interested candidates must participate in a mandatory interview with the CEO as part of the selection process.

Godoy Medical Forensics, Inc. provides equal opportunities to all qualified applicants and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.