Laboratory Name: Franklin County Coroner's Office
Toxicologist
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office sits on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The ABFT accredited toxicology section has a staff of five and is part of a full service NAME accredited coroner’s office serving a region of 1.2 million people. Our annual workload is approximately 1,500 cases per year. We are seeking applicants for the position of Toxicologist to join our team.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Position requires Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or closely related field; and two (2) years experience in toxicology-related laboratory work; or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
NATURE OF WORK:
Toxicologists perform scientific work to determine the presence of drugs and poisons in biological matrices. Work includes the isolation of drugs and poisons using solid phase or liquid/liquid extraction and analysis of these extracts by approved analytical methodologies. These tests may include multiple immunoassay methodologies (ELISA, CEDIA, DRI, and QMS), headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC/FID), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS and GC/MS/MS), and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Work is performed in accordance with recognized theory, principles and techniques. Judgment must be exercised to ensure technical accuracy and precision. The successful candidate will be familiar with all technical procedures in the laboratory.
Direction is received from the Assistant Chief Toxicologist who aids in resolving analytical problems and performs technical review of data.
EXAMPLE TASKS:
1. Receive, record and file biological and physical evidence.
2. Enter data into, and retrieve information from, JusticeTrax® LIMS database.
3. Receive/respond to informational requests from professionals, families and the general public.
4. Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses for drugs, metabolites, and other toxic substances in biological materials.
5. Calibrate analytical instrumentation routinely with casework.
6. Determine and record the accuracy of analyses routinely with casework.
7. Maintain laboratory instruments and software relating to scientific instrumentation.
8. Take incoming requests for toxicology from regional counties as needed.
9. Consult with other professionals in matters regarding toxicological analyses.
10. Contribute to the maintenance of ABFT laboratory accreditation.
11. Attend staff meetings.
12. Produce statistical information as requested.
13. Ensure technical competency to perform scientific analysis.
14. Collate data and compile forensic reports.
The ideal candidate will be skillful in bench laboratory techniques; Have knowledge of current forensic toxicology instrumentation and their application; Perform tasks in a timely and efficient manner; Compile neat and detailed forensic reports; Have knowledge of specimen/evidence chain of custody; Have knowledge of laboratory safety and how to prevent the transmission of blood borne pathogens; Have knowledge of ABFT accreditation guidelines; Maintain the highest level of professional ethics and personal integrity; Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, elected officials, and the general public; Be a life-long learner.
To apply for this position candidates should submit a cover letter and copy of their resume/CV to cemcguir@franklincountyohio.gov no later than Friday May 3rd, 2013. All education and experience must be documented in resume/CV.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Starting salary range: $48,000 to $52,000 annually.
Contact:
Calvin McGuire
Chief Toxicologist
Franklin County Coroner’s Office
520 King Ave.
Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 525-5290
cemcguir@franklincountyohio.gov
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not make employment decisions in a discriminatory manner based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or veteran status.
