Forensic Scientist - Toxicology

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants to fill one Forensic Scientist position in our Toxicology Section.  The major duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Analyzing biological matrices for the presence of volatiles, including ethanol
• Utilizing solid phase and/or supported liquid extraction techniques for screening/confirmation of blood and urine samples for the presence of illicit, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs
• Performing, processing, and reviewing GC/FID, GC/MS, ELISA, and LC-MS/MS instrumental data
• Participation in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols
• Performing technical review of batch and casework data
• Rigorously following all safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Documenting and performing casework duties in accordance with published laboratory procedures, with minimal errors and no pattern of deficiencies
• Assisting in ensuring conformance to laboratory accreditation standards
• Attending continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and professional meetings as time and resources allow
• Participating in method validation/verification studies as needed
• Providing expert testimony in courts of law as subpoenaed

The position will be hired as a Forensic Scientist or Senior Forensic Scientist based upon qualifications and experience.  The 2025 salary ranges, minimum Forensic Scientist to maximum Senior Forensic Scientist, are $29.44 - $48.35 ($61,235 – $100,568 annualized). 

Work Schedule: 40 hours Monday-Friday. Flexibility in start times and length of workdays (up to 12 hours) is available.

Educational Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science, forensic science, or other relevant field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working in a forensic toxicology laboratory, to include successful completion of a documented training program from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state or federal forensic science laboratory with demonstration of competency
• Independent knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze specimens submitted to the laboratory
• Documented training and demonstrated knowledge to the effects of alcohol and/or drugs on human performance and behavior
• Professional experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., ELISA, GC/MS, GC/FID, and LC-MS/MS) to identify volatiles and/or drugs in biological samples
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, work efficiently, keep accurate records, accurately analyze samples, correctly interpret data and develop reasonable conclusions
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures

Experience Requirements

• Forensic Scientist: Successful completion of a Forensic Toxicology training program, with demonstrated competency. Two (2) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing forensic toxicological analyses.  Salary range: $29.44 - $44.16 ($61,235 - $91,853 annualized).
• Senior Forensic Scientist: Successful completion of a Forensic Toxicology training program, with demonstrated competency. Five (5) years of independent forensic casework in the discipline of Toxicology. Courtroom testimony experience. Salary range: $32.23 - $48.35 ($67,038 - $100,568 annualized).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT).

An acceptable driving record is required.  This position requires successful completion of an extensive background check, which includes a psychological evaluation, polygraph and a drug screen.