Senior Toxicology Chemist

Salary: $5,596.00 Monthly

Location : Medical Examiner - 7337 Louis Pasteur Drive San Antonio, TX

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Job Number: 2024-01560

Department: Office of Criminal Justice Policy, Planning & Programs

Division: Judicial Services Medical Examiner

Opening Date: 11/21/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

Under general direction, is responsible for training and overseeing work performed by Toxicology Chemists in toxicology laboratory operations; monitors analytical equipment operability and accuracy; maintains inventory listings; orders chemicals and supplies; and performs related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates and develops methods for the isolation and identification of drugs and poisons in biological specimens with particular attention to accuracy and precision
• Maintains laboratory statistics, inventories and orders supplies
• Performs qualitative and quantitative assays for therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse and other substances in biological specimens
• Provides training in analytical techniques, methodologies and instrumentation for junior personnel
• Exhibits proficiency in the operation of sophisticated analytical instrumentation including Gas Chromatography, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry to include development of new instrumental methods and evaluation of instrument conditions
• Assists the Chief Toxicologist in the development and monitoring of compliance with the laboratory quality assurance and safety program; participates in proficiency and quality control programs; analytical results must consistently fall within acceptable limits as defined by submitting agencies and written policies
• Investigates non-compliance with quality control requirements and initiates corrective actions
• Distributes, collects and submits proficiency tests; prepares and issues written reports on proficiency tests detailing accuracy and efficiency of work
• Conducts batch review and ensures work is in compliance with laboratory SOP and quality assurance program; Maintains quality assurance records and submits reports to Chief Toxicologist for review
• Receives, accessions, aliquots, extracts, analyzes and stores biological specimens in accordance with written laboratory procedures and in adherence with evidentiary chain of custody practices
• Prepares and transfers specimens to other laboratories for further testing in adherence with chain of custody requirements and written laboratory procedures
• Assists in the destruction of stored specimens or the return of such specimens to the original contributor in adherence with laboratory policy and the normal standards of forensic practice
• Maintains laboratory records and reports in accordance with standard forensic practice and submits reports to the Chief Toxicologist for review
• Prepares reagents, buffers and standards used in analysis in accordance with written procedures
• Testifies in Court concerning laboratory procedures, protocols, analysis and as an expert in the field of forensic toxicology
• Handles hazardous materials and hazardous waste, ensuring proper safety precautions are taken in storing and disposition of these materials; engages in good laboratory practices to ensure the safety of all laboratory personnel; practices universal precautions when handling biological materials
• Reads the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure manual on a yearly basis and complies with those procedures
• May perform final technical case review for the Chief Toxicologist in a relief capacity as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field with five (5) years laboratory experience in toxicology OR; a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or a related field with seven (7) years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, fellow or diplomat in forensic toxicology, or become certified within two years
• Comprehensive knowledge of analytical chemistry and instrument theory; knowledge of toxicology and laboratory equipment operation
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to perform statistical analysis; ability to organize and compile data; ability to operate personal computer and basic office equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside organizations, the news media and the general public
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation from Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bexar County Human Resources Office
• Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
• Must have available transportation during entire workday; must have a valid driver's license
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• Working in indoor conditions; laboratory environment with frequent exposure to blood, biological materials, and infectious diseases; occasional exposure to hazardous materials, chemical solvents, corrosive chemicals, flammable liquids, unfavorable fumes, vapors or odors, and radiation
• Frequently moves items weighing up to 10 pounds
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 20-30 pounds
• Occasionally moves about the laboratory and office
• Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Must have hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate complex laboratory equipment
• Positions self to perform essential functions
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position

Supplemental Information

Workstations with internet access are available, if needed, to view job postings and apply online at 211 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204, 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: 210-335-2545.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by Bexar County:

NOTE: Part-Time and Temporary positions are not eligible for Bexar County Benefits.

01

Which best describes your highest level of education completed?

• High School Diploma or G.E.D
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None

02

What best describes the field in which you have obtained your degree?

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Other
• None

03

Do you have five (5) years laboratory experience in toxicology OR; a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or a related field with seven (7) years of laboratory experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you acknowledge you must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, fellow or diplomat in forensic toxicology, or become certified within two years?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to secure and maintain a favorable background investigation from Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bexar County Human Resources Office?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you able to clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have available transportation during entire workday; must have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you able to work more than 40 hours during the work week?

• Yes
• No

Required Question