Job Description: Forensic Toxicology Supervisor
Position: Forensic Toxicology Supervisor
Department: Law and Criminal Justice > Forensic Science
Job Summary:
The Forensic Toxicology Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of the Forensic Toxicology Unit within the Law and Criminal Justice department. This role requires expertise in forensic toxicology, analytical instrumentation, and laboratory management. The Forensic Toxicology Supervisor will lead a team of forensic scientists and technicians, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of samples, adherence to protocols, and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Supervise and manage the daily operations of the Forensic Toxicology Unit, including workload distribution, scheduling, and performance monitoring.
2. Ensure the timely and accurate analysis of forensic toxicology samples, including drugs, alcohol, and other toxic substances.
3. Oversee the maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of analytical instrumentation used in the laboratory, ensuring proper functioning and accuracy of results.
4. Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, analysis, and reporting, adhering to best practices and maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
5. Conduct quality control measures, including proficiency testing, to validate the accuracy and reliability of analytical results.
6. Provide technical expertise and guidance to forensic scientists and technicians, assisting with complex sample analysis and interpretation.
7. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and expert witnesses, to provide expert testimony and support investigations.
8. Stay updated with the latest advancements in forensic toxicology, attending relevant conferences, trainings, and workshops, and implementing new techniques or technologies as appropriate.
9. Manage and maintain the laboratory's inventory of chemicals, reagents, and consumables, ensuring adequate supply levels and appropriate storage.
10. Foster a culture of safety, adhering to all laboratory safety protocols and ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Qualifications and Skills:
1. Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a forensic toxicology laboratory, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
3. In-depth knowledge of forensic toxicology principles, practices, and methodologies.
4. Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
5. Strong understanding of laboratory quality control procedures and proficiency testing.
6. Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including chain of custody protocols and accreditation standards (e.g., ISO 17025).
7. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide accurate and reliable results.
8. Effective leadership and team management abilities, with the capacity to motivate and mentor a diverse group of professionals.
9. Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present scientific findings and provide expert testimony in court.
Note: This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The organization reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary with or without notice.