FORENSIC TOXICOLOGIST
New Jersey treats Forensic Toxicologist as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The minimum is a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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How to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of a Forensic Scientist 1 or a Principal Forensic Toxicologist, Office of the State Medical Examiner, Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Law and Public Safety, does the more difficult and specialized chemical work on evidence specimens in the toxicology laboratory and may supervise forensic technicians; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Makes special and complicated chemical tests, examinations, and analyses of evidence specimens and other materials.
- Using a wide knowledge of spectrophotometry, (visible, ultraviolet and infrared), operates the chloridometer, cooximeter, and gas chromatograph and makes use of TLC techniques.
- Prepares standardized chemical reagents regularly used and other reagents of special nature for special uses.
- Takes the lead in the routine work of the laboratory and assigns and instructs technical and other employees, and supervises the performance of their work.
- Carries out assigned research projects and prepares reports thereon.
- Keeps abreast of current literature in the field of forensic toxicology.
- Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Maintains essential records, reports, analyses, and files relative to case work.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or one of the biological or physical sciences including twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in chemistry.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in a toxicological, forensic, or analytical chemistry laboratory conducting varied types of chemical tests, examinations, and analyses.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of forensic toxicology including laboratory equipment, media, reagents and supplies, and their application to specific problems.
- Knowledge of procedures used in making and interpreting chemical tests, examinations, and analyses of varied types of materials and substances.
- Knowledge of precautions to be taken in recording and interpreting results of chemical and physical tests and analyses.
- Ability to follow standard and established procedures in making specific tests, examinations, and analyses and carry out research into new methods.
- Ability to take the lead in a group of technical and other employees engaged in the work activities of a forensic science laboratory.
- Ability to compile and interpret data required for court proceedings and to testify as an expert witness in court under oath.
- Ability to prepare and supervise staff in the preparation of standard and special reagents.
- Ability to keep abreast of new discoveries and current literature in the field of forensic chemistry, and to develop new and/or revised laboratory and investigational procedures.
- Ability to perform assigned research into forensic matters and to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Ability to maintain essential laboratory records, reports, analyses, and files relative to case work.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other related physical science may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as indicated above.