Forensic Toxicologist or Trainee - Toxicology - Central Laboratory - CF646

Title: Forensic Toxicologist or Trainee - Toxicology - Central Laboratory - CF646

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $89,665 - $120,160

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Central Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Forensic Science has experienced record growth and is currently in construction of a new state of the art facility in Hanover County. The Central Laboratory, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond, will move to the new facility when it is completed. The transition is anticipated for First Quarter 2026.

Ph.D. graduates or candidates with a projected award date no later than 3 months from the application submission date are encouraged to apply. See Trainee section below for details.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified Forensic Toxicologist to perform postmortem and human performance toxicology testing and provide testimony about the effects of alcohol and/or drugs on human performance and behavior in the Central Laboratory, located in Richmond, Virginia. The candidate will independently analyze human fluids and tissues in postmortem, DUI/DUID and other criminal cases using chemical and instrumental methodologies, critically evaluate data, prepare and issue Certificates of Analysis, and interpret and defend results in courts of law. Frequent travel, occasionally overnight, is required and employee will provide own transportation as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related scientific field
  • Education shall include general and organic chemistry with at least one course related to analytical science (e.g., analytical chemistry, quantitative analysis or mass spectrometry) and one course or supplemental training related to understanding the physiological effects of alcohol, drugs, and/or other substances (e.g., forensic toxicology, pharmacology, or medicinal chemistry)
• Employment experience 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 and 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
• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• Professional experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID, GC/NPD and LC/MS/MS) to identify alcohol 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
• Ability to work well independently and on a team
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation
  

Additional Considerations

• Certification or eligibility for certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology
• Experience as an expert witness providing courtroom testimony and preparing and presenting exhibits of evidence, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Experience in forensic related teaching/training
  

Trainee:
If a Forensic Toxicologist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications, a Forensic Toxicologist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $75,697. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a Forensic Toxicologist Trainee training program. Upon successful completion of Forensic Toxicologist training program, the trainee’s salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Toxicologist. The training will last approximately 18 months, dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum qualifications.

A successful Forensic Toxicologist Trainee will have competencies that include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical, deductive reasoning, problem solving, observation, communication, teamwork and time management skills.

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related scientific field
  • Applications will be considered from individuals who will receive their Ph.D. within approximately 3 months of filing their application. Before employment can be considered, verification of the degree, or confirmation from the graduate program of expected completion of the degree, is required. The selected candidate must have been awarded the degree by the start of employment
• Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Ability to work well independently and on a team
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation
  

Trainee Additional Considerations:

• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private, local, state, or federal forensic science laboratory (employment and/or internship)
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC, GC/MS, GC/FID, GC/NPD and LC/MS/MS)
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Probationary Period: This position requires an 18-month probationary period. If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee, this position requires a new probationary period be served.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Greene

Phone: 804-588-4163

Email: amanda.greene@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.