Forensic Scientist or Trainee Toxicology Central Laboratory CF554 (Agency Only)

Title: Forensic Scientist or Trainee - Toxicology - Central Laboratory - CF554 (Agency Only)

State Role Title:For Scientist II

Hiring Range: $59851 - $105134

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location:Central Lab

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory Division of Technical Services Directors Office Administrative Offices and the Office of the Medical Examiner currently located in Richmond. The transition is anticipated for the First Quarter of 2026.

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to perform toxicology analyses at the Central Laboratory located in Richmond VA. The successful candidate will independently perform chemical analyses of human fluids and tissues in death and criminal investigations using chemical and instrumental methodologies prepare Certificates of Analyses on findings for use in the criminal justice system and provide court testimony on analytical results. Occasional overnight travel is required and employee will provide own transportation as required.

To be considered as a qualified Forensic Scientist candidates must have completed a documented training program and demonstration of competency in human biological samples. Candidates who are considered qualified Forensic Scientists will be required to successfully complete an in-house training program the length of which is dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.
The documented training program and demonstration of competency can consist of relevant academic coursework internal or external training courses and competency tests but must meet the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences training requirements for the candidate to be considered qualified. Records documenting the successfully completed coursework training and testing will be requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in chemistry biochemistry or a related field with coursework in general organic and analytical chemistry
• Work experience handling human biological samples.
• Knowledge skills and ability to testify in court through experience and/or training
• 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 in human biological samples
• Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples.
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e. immunoassay HPLC GC/MS GC/FID and GC/NPD)
• Ability to work independently set priorities and work efficiently keep accurate records accurately analyze interpret data and develop conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and defend scientific findings in court.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Valid drivers license and/or other means of reliable transportation
  

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory and/or familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation criteria
• 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 using advanced laboratory equipment/instrumentation such as LC/MS/MS LC-QTOF-MS
• Certification by a national forensic toxicology certification board such as American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Experience in providing forensic related teaching/training

Trainee:
If a fully qualified Forensic Scientist candidate does not meet all the minimum qualifications a Forensic Scientist Trainee position may be offered to the most suitable candidate with a salary of $50531. The selected candidate will be expected to successfully complete a training program performing comprehensive scientific analyses. Upon successful completion of the training program the trainees salary will be established within the salary range for a qualified Forensic Scientist. The training may last up to 12 months dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Trainee must meet the degree requirements stated in the minimum addition the Trainee may meet some of the qualified minimum qualifications and additional considerations.

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

Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in chemistry biochemistry or a related field with courses in general organic and analytical chemistry
• Ability to maintain accurate records analyze and interpret data manage multiple tasks efficiently establish work priorities and develop sound conclusions from analyses
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Valid drivers license and/or have other means of reliable transportation.

Trainee Additional Considerations:

• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited private local state or federal forensic science laboratory (working and/or internship)
• Experience in a scientific laboratory environment using laboratory equipment techniques laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures.
  

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 positions 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 or 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: If you are a current Commonwealth of Virginia employee this position requires a new probationary period be served. A probationary period of 12 months will be required.

Background Investigation: Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with employees current supervisor.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Greene

Phone:

Email:

In support of the Commonwealths 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 .

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.