STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Asst. Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substance and Chemistry

Recruitment #210401-6402MP-001

Introduction



Are you an experienced forensic professional looking to oversee a highly dynamic team?
If so, we invite you to explore this opportunity! 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is seeking an Assistant Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substance, and Chemistry to join our team. This position is housed within the Division of Scientific Services laboratory in Meriden, CT. 

About Us: 

The Division of Scientific Services (DSS) provides forensic support to local, state, and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. The division is divided into three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including the disciplines of toxicology, controlled substances, and arson), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including the disciplines of computer crimes, latent fingerprints, firearms/tool marks, and questioned documents). The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: the Quality section and the Laboratory Support Services section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management). 

Position Highlights: 

The Assistant Director will supervise a staff of approximately 15 forensic examiners in a state-of-the-art facility utilizing LC-MS/MS, Headspace-GC/MS, GC/MS, and SEM/EDS instrumentation. 

As a member of the leadership team you will participate in ongoing strategic planning, methods development, validation, and will be responsible for overseeing casework productivity throughout the section. 

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position, with a Monday to Friday schedule. 

What we can offer you: 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes: 

  • Excellent health and dental coverage; 
  • A generous retirement plan; 
  • Paid time off; 
  • A healthy work/life balance! 

Selection Plan

During the Application Process: 

 Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

 In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed in the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

 Throughout the Selection Process: 

 Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview: 

 State Employees: 

  • Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
  • Cover letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13

Non State Employees: 

  • Two (2) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor
  • Cover letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. 

Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Click here (CT-HR-13) to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum. The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field. 

 Also considered in this selection process: Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Tyler Cashman at Tyler.Cashman@ct.gov

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services, this class is accountable for assisting in the direction of the toxicology, controlled substance and chemistry units operations which is responsible for the analysis of autopsy specimens, body fluids, analysis for poison and drugs, breath alcohol analysis, solid dose drug analysis, arson and gunshot residue.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists with directing the staff and operations of the toxicology, controlled substance, chemistry, instrumentation and breath alcohol units; assists in coordinating, planning and managing division activities; assists in formulating program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development of related policies and procedures of the section in conjunction with American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) International; interprets and administers pertinent laws; assists with determining laboratory techniques and procedures necessary to examine specimens and samples submitted; assists with development of security and control procedures; assists with research and new methodology and modifies existing technology; evaluates staff; assists with preparing the section budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of division who might impact on program activities; oversees grant administration; coordinates preparation for section annual audits; ensures planning and maintenance of professional development and training requirements; may provide expert testimony; acts for the Deputy Director in his or her absence; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of theory, principles and practices of analytical chemistry, spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry; considerable knowledge of techniques of biochemical and toxicological analyses; considerable knowledge of physical, physiological and pharmacological effects of poisons and absorption, storage and elimination; considerable knowledge of principles and practices of forensic science; considerable knowledge of quality management principles and process improvement techniques; knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computer software; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written skills; considerable ability to interpret findings and defend results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material with expertise in at least one (1) of the following forensic disciplines: toxicology, controlled substance and/or chemistry units.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity guiding the activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.

Note: For State Employees, this is interpreted at the level of Forensic Science Examiner 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  1. College training in forensic science, criminalistics, clinical or forensic toxicology, chemistry, biology, forensic psychology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience required on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
  2. A Master’s degree in forensic science, criminalistics, chemistry, biology, forensic psychology, clinical or forensic toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  3. A Ph.D. in clinical or forensic toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will possess:
  • Experience in the use of LC-MS/MS and its application within forensic toxicology; 
  • Experience in supervising an ISO17025 ANAB-accredited laboratory; 
  • Experience in using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); 
  • Acceptance in court as a subject matter expert witness in Forensic Toxicology. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  2. Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
  3. Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.