Career Opportunity

2456-Forensic Toxicologist

Recruitment: REF46272T

Published: October 25, 2024

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About:

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recently moved into a state-of-the-art 52,000 sq. ft. facility in November of 2017, which includes a fully accredited laboratory, in-house histology services, ultra-modern radiology instrumentation, two-story autopsy suite that contains six main stations with three private auxiliary isolation suites and a 32ft high central skylight extending the length of the room. The facility was designed to specifically enhance the communication between the different divisions and, most importantly, enhance the work experience of staff and serve the needs of a 21st-century San Francisco.

To meet an OCME mission in informing public health initiatives, the OCME produces several key reports on accidental overdoses, and DUID, DFSA, and other human performance casework.

Role description

Application Opening: October 25, 2024
Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but not before November 11, 2024.

Salary Range: $61.1625 - $74.3625 hourly

Working in the Office under the supervision of the Forensic Toxicologist Supervisor and the direction of the Chief Forensic Toxicologist and Director of the Forensic Laboratory Division, and following published method development and ANSI/ASB validation protocols, the Method Development Specialist utilizes existing and new extraction techniques for employment on current instrumentation. The project aims to accurately and timely detect and quantify drugs and poisons in human fluids of medico‐legal cases that come under the jurisdiction of the Division. Subsequently, the techniques required for this project are the development and validation of automated extractions using a new Liquid Handling System for inclusion on comprehensive LC‐MS/MS and LC-QTOF/MS analyses. The individual also performs complex and difficult forensic analyses; prepares case reports; records findings; may interpret data and testify in courtroom proceedings; and performs related duties as required.

How to qualify

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a life science or physical science with 16 semester hours in general and organic chemistry courses, a statistics course, and two (2) analytical and/or interpretive courses in forensic toxicology, pharmacology and chemistry.

License and Certification:

Possession of a valid California Driver License; AND

Possession of or eligibility for certification by the State of California Department of Public Health as a Title 17 Forensic Alcohol Analyst within five (5) years of hire.

Supplemental Information:

Nature of duties may require sustained physical effort involving manual skill, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, and the ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs. Requires close mental attention and concentration for long periods when conducting various tests and the technical skill and ability to make accurate observations and determinations and prepare related reports of findings. Work environment may entail exposure to biohazards and potentially toxic chemicals, specimens from infectious and decomposed cases and/or persons who have died of drug or chemical poisoning; unpleasant odors or conditions; and exposure to disagreeable elements or situations inherent in this specialized field. This work requires compliance with department policies pertaining to blood borne pathogen exposure prevention, biohazard exposure prevention, toxic chemical exposure prevention, evidence handling and security requirements on evidence, standards and information.

Candidates must pass and possess the following:

• Employment, Character and Background Investigation
• Manual skill, dexterity, hand/eye coordination
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds

What else should I know?

Verification:

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#verification. Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

If you have any questions regarding this application process, please contact Jason Wong by email at jason.wong3@sfgov.org.  For any question regarding the position details, please contact Dr. Luke Rodda at luke.rodda@sfgov.org.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.