Quality Assurance and Technical Manager - Toxicology

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Centre of Forensic Sciences seeks your forensics expertise in toxicology and quality assurance to manage the framework for the delivery of forensic toxicology casework services across the province.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Oversee the technical operations of the Toxicology discipline at the Centre of Forensic Sciences
• Ensure the quality of casework across the province including consistency with the wider forensic science community
• Evaluate scientific and technical methods used by the toxicology laboratory and propose new or modified analytical procedures to be used by examiners
• Maintain responsibility for technical problem-solving involving analytical methods and for the oversight of training, Quality Assurance, safety and proficiency testing in the toxicology laboratory
• Manage the Quality System in the Toxicology discipline to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Centre of Forensic Sciences Quality System and all associated quality standards pertaining to the Centres ISO 17025-based accreditation status

How do I qualify?

Forensic Science Knowledge and Experience

• You have expert knowledge of and experience with forensic toxicology theories, principles, practices, methods, applications (such as drug, alcohol, and poison analysis), and the criminal justice system
• You have practical and theoretical knowledge of modern instrumentation used in forensic toxicology laboratory
• You have knowledge of toxicology, pharmacology, analytical chemistry or biochemistry as it relates to methods of forensic toxicology analysis (such as Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Liquid Chromatography, Immunoassay)
• You have experience applying legislation, policies, and procedures and ability to use this skill to ensure appropriate application of scientific methods to criminal investigations
• You have demonstrated awareness of current research developments in forensic sciences in order to provide expert testimony and compile and present forensic evidence for court proceedings

Quality Assurance Knowledge

• You have knowledge of and experience with quality assurance principles, practices, methods, techniques, metrics and tools, ISO standards, and the requirements of accrediting bodies
• You have experience resolving quality issues and conducting root cause analysis arising in laboratory testing environments
• You are able to oversee all aspects of the quality assurance program and ensure quality products/services for the justice system
• You have experience with proficiency testing, equipment calibration, and maintenance

Communication (oral and written), Presentation, Consultative Skills

• You can prepare reports, briefings, presentations as well as respond to internal and external audits
• You have advisory skills to provide recommendations on quality management and quality assurance matters to senior management
• You can provide direction and training to technical staff as well as provide technical expertise in the resolution of quality incidents
• You are able to serve as an expert witness in court proceedings

Relationship Building and Customer Service Skills

• You can establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including forensic laboratories and manufacturers

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You have knowledge of data analysis, statistical analyses, experimental design, and can critically review scientific literature
• You can develop and evaluate examination methods/metrics to ensure quality products as well as consistency of forensic test results
• You can conduct technical and administrative review of case and research reports
• You are able to implement and evaluate quality assurance practices as well as identify new methods, propose modifications, and ensure appropriate documentation

Leadership, Planning, and Team Building Skills

• You can develop and foster strong teams as well as train and develop forensic staff to ensure high quality and professional services to accreditation standards
• You are able to plan, organize, and co-ordinate human resources for various projects
• You are able to provide advice to management regarding the resources required to ensure timely delivery of forensic services operations across the province

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, January 6, 2014 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.