Associate Scientist - Forensic Toxicology Lab

The Associate Scientist participates on a team of scientists in the Employer Solutions Forensic Workplace Drug Testing Laboratory.   This role is responsible for the execution of method development experiments and/or analytical validation studies prior to implementation within the forensic toxicology laboratory.  The primary instrumentation for validations or method development  will utilize immunoanalyzers, mass spectrometers (e.g.., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, etc.) or various new technologies as determined by scientific and laboratory management.  The Associate Scientist will plan, organize, and implement basic to moderate complexity experiments to achieve this goal. Scientific guidance and oversight will be provided the manager and other team members to accomplish project objectives. 

• Develop and/or validate new or existing bioanalytical methods. 
• Support method development projects in all phases of the process. 
• Contribute ideas for improvements to existing laboratory processes, methods/procedures.
• Works on individual assignments, as a member of a project team, or as a leader of small work groups on segments of projects. Presents experimental results to supervisor or project team members and contributes ideas to improve team processes.
• Organize and document experimental data for easy retrieval and archive purposes.
• Identify problems and investigates alternatives. Follows recommended courses of action.
• Work with team members and other relevant personnel as appropriate to meet department and project objectives.
• May assist in summarizing validation studies/data for internal documentation, publishing articles, or for presentation to clients.
• Utilizes current field-specific core technologies and approaches to problem solving.
• Accountable for quality and timeliness of projects.

• Requires knowledge and skills normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Years of relevant experience dependent on degree (BA/BS with 2+ years)
• Experience with bioanalytical method development and GC/LC-MS/MS instrumentation is preferred.
• Experience with sample preparation/extraction techniques (e.g. liquid-liquid, solid phase, dilute & shoot) is preferred.

Knowledge:  

• Knowledgeable in the use of common laboratory equipment and safe chemical handling.
• Ability to think analytically and solve technical problems.    
• Documentation of a laboratory notebook.

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms in the operation of equipment or instruments located in the work environment. The employee is frequently required to sit and stand; and is occasionally required to walk and stoop. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets