Forensic Toxicology Technician

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The Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently recruiting for a Forensic Toxicology Technician.  A Forensic Toxicology Technician provides support activities for postmortem forensic toxicology testing performed in the Toxicology laboratory within the Medical Examiner's office. The incumbent carries out a limited range of professional forensic assignments of low to moderate complexity under close supervision by the Chief Toxicologist. A Forensic Toxicology Technician conducts scientific testing, interprets test results, forms conclusions, prepares technical reports, and may be called to testify as an expert witness in a court of law.   

Duties of Forensic Toxicology Technician include:

• Responsible for providing support activities for Toxicology Forensic Scientists and Chief Toxicologist and performing low to moderately complex forensic testing in Toxicology; preserves, processes, and analyzes biological specimens in the laboratory using specialized forensic equipment and software, scientific instrumentation, forensic databases, laboratory information management systems; creates and maintains confidential forensic case files to include notes, instrumental data, and other supporting documentation; prepares simple laboratory reports ; provides scientific courtroom testimony if needed; maintains proficiency through participation in continuing education, research, and scientific literature review. 
• Provides administrative support to laboratory staff; cleans and maintains laboratory spaces; maintains, orders, and receives laboratory supplies, consumables, reference materials, and reference collections; prepares solutions, buffers, and reagents used in laboratory casework; creates and/or maintains records and updates to case files to assist in documenting the analyses conducted.
• Maintains performance through basic routine maintenance of scientific instruments, equipment, and software utilizing approved procedures to ensure the integrity of testing; participates and assists with research, laboratory performance verifications, and validation studies of new or updated scientific methods, instrumentation, software, and equipment; contributes to the development and review of policies and standard operating procedures; participates in laboratory assessments, audits, and inventories to ensure compliance with laboratory and accreditation requirements; participates in the laboratory proficiency testing program; receives training in general knowledge and ethical practices in forensic sciences, the presentation of evidence in court and courtroom testimony.     
• Demonstrates knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) fundamentals; applies QA/QC principles to all aspects of the testing process including but not limited to sample handling and preparation, testing, analysis, and documentation in accordance with industry standards and recommendations.
• Seeks continual improvement in support of laboratory vision and values through suggestions to implement new and modify existing laboratory processes and procedures; identifies and promotes opportunities to improve efficiency of operations and use of resources based on internal and external stakeholder feedback.
• Conducts and maintains professional communication and working relationships with all laboratory stakeholders internally (peers, management) and externally (law enforcement/legal community, auditors, vendors, general public) to include communication and coordination with supervisor regarding work assignments; contact and cooperation with internal and external auditors regarding laboratory accreditation requirements.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural science, forensic science with laboratory coursework, or relevant field.

Preferred qualifications include: 

• Experience or internship in a forensic laboratory or scientific laboratory environment.
• Experience analyzing biological matrices for the presence of volatiles, including ethanol and familiarity with analyte extraction techniques for screening/confirmation of biological samples for the presence of illicit, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs.
• Experience with chain of custody documentation and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other forensic databases and software applicable to the relevant discipline. 

Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including post-offer, pre-employment drug screen, color-blind test, and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.