Forensic Scientist

ORAU is seeking a qualified Forensic Scientist to work with the as an ORAU employee. This exciting work will last one or more years, and the successful candidate will become a temporary employee of ORAU assigned to The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection, located in the Division of Scientific Services, Chemical Analysis Section, Toxicology Unit for the State of Connecticut.

The Forensic Scientist in the Toxicology Unit will perform qualitative and quantitative chemical and toxicolgical analyses of drugs/metabolites to determine identities and/or concentrations. Maintain instrumentation and prepare solutions/drug standards for quality purposes. Maintain records of examinations, prepare reports of examinations, and testify when necessary. Utilize universal laboratory safety precautions; performs analyses with potentially hazardous substances, (e.g., antemortem and postmortem biological specimens, potent drugs). Utilize computers and software related to laboratory instrumentation, data processing, statistics, laboratory information systems (LIMS), and document writing.

• Examines submitted evidence and completes a written description within case notes
• Handles biological and potentially other types of evidence in a safe and secure manner
• Responsible for sampling, making appropriate dilutions, and preparing samples for analysis ; utilizes conventional laboratory glassware, conducts both wet bench and instrumental operations
• Utilizes instrumentation such as analytical balances, analytical volumetric devices, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers (GC/MS) ; headspace-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers(flame ionization detectors) (HS-GC/MS(FID)), liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometers (LC/MS), and high resolution mass spectrometers (LC/HR-MS).
• Responsible for safe and secure evidence transfer and recording of information within a LIMS software environment.
• Participates in breathalyzer alcohol testing program, when applicable, assisting and/or
  conducting classes for instrument operation to law enforcement and other personnel.
• Evaluates breath alcohol instruments for functionality and facilitates repairs, if needed.
• Conducts statistical data mining of data for various needs (e.g., uncertainty calculations, trends, usage).
• Involved with validation of procedures, instruments, and techniques as well as developing and editing standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for fielding questions from attorneys, medical examiners, and other appropriate entities regarding casework, data interpretation, and forensic toxicology in general.
• Prepares and furnishes written reports as determined through detailed examinations.
• Presents necessary court testimony.

1. College training in forensic science, biochemistry, chemistry, toxicology, or closely related field may be
   substituted for four (4) years of the General Experience requirement on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours
   for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in forensic science (chemistry-related), biochemistry, chemistry, toxicology, or closely
   related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. A Ph.D. in forensic science (chemistry-related), biochemistry, chemistry, toxicology, or closely related field
   may be substituted for six (6) years of the General Experience minimum qualification.