Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

The Forensic services unit of the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service(OFPS) provides support services for postmortem examinations conducted at the Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit (PFPU); support to the OFPS with respect to ancillary testing; organ and tissue retention; sample storage and disposition; management of unidentified remains for Ontario, as well as research and development to support the continued growth and excellence of the OFPS. The function of the Forensic Services Technologist is to perform forensic research under direction of senior staff; to liaise with members of the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC), Regional Forensic Pathology Units (RFPUs), Community Based Hospitals, police and service providers; to manage and coordinate the transport, receipt, processing, storage and disposition of both biological and non-biological samples arising from postmortem examinations at the PFPU as well as biological samples kept for long term storage submitted by PFPU, RPFUs and Community Hospitals; to monitor specimen storage, to maintain physical and electronic files; and to assist with training of OFPS staff and students (medical or otherwise), medical residents and forensic pathology fellows with respect to appropriate and safe sample handling and sample maintenance.

Duties / Responsibilities :

-Key role in research activities to support research and development for the OFPS. May include but is not limited to research of electronic literature databases for research material; retrieval of relevant literature required for research; preparation of experimental protocols; laboratory functions such as preparation of reagents, standards, controls and samples for research activities; conduct experimentation as required; preparation of clearly articulated notes, records, results, analysis and reports of experimentation; operation, maintenance and validation of laboratory equipment and instrumentation including but not limited to pipettes (glass, eppendorf; calibrated), balances, pH meters, centrifuges and DNA extraction robotics to ensure accurate and reliable test results. -Coordination (packaging of samples, preparation of the appropriate test request forms, preparation for and coordination of transport of samples, receipt of results and returned samples) of biological and non­ biological samples arising from postmortem examinations conducted at the PFPU for ancillary forensic testing. This includes coordination of ancillary forensic testing including but not limited to biochemistry, microbiology, toxicology, neuropathology consults and cardio-pathology consults using appropriate protocols and health and safety principles. -Coordination of storage and disposition of biological samples such as blood, tissue and organs arising from postmortem examinations conducted at the PFPU including physical storage of samples and appropriate disposition either returning to families or cremation of items using appropriate protocols and health and safety principles. Coordination includes maintenance of an electronic database to effectively manage sample storage and to allow for effective and efficient retrieval or samples for further testing or disposition. -Coordination of disposition of non-biological samples such as ligatures received with remains at the PFPU and maintenance of an electronic database to track receipt and disposition. -Coordination of processing, storage and disposition of licit and illicit drugs received with remains at the PFPU including maintenance of an electronic database to track receipt, storage and disposition. Ensures all requirements of Health Canada regarding storage and disposition of drugs are complied with. -Coordination of receipt, storage and disposition of blood samples for long term storage arising from postmortem examinations warranted b-y a coroner and conducted at facilities including RFPUs and Community Hospitals across Ontario. Maintenance of an electronic database to track receipt, storage and disposition and to ensure efficient retrieval of samples when required for additional testing or disposition. -Manages paperwork arising from organ retention in coroner warranted postmortem examinations at the PFPU, RFPUs and Community Hospitals across Ontario. Liaises with pathologists, coroners and regional coroners to ensure effective and efficient communication with families regarding the process and to track family requests for disposition of organs. Maintenance of an electronic database to track receipt of appropriate paperwork and disposition of organs. -Effective oral and written communication with pathologists, PFPU staff (technical and administrative), coroners and police to ensure effective sample coordination, testing, storage and disposition. Preparation of training materials, protocols and forms as required. -Training of PFPU staff, medical students, medical residents and forensic pathology fellows with respect to appropriate sample handling, storage and disposition and with respect to health and safety practices relating to sample handling; training of laboratory techniques as required. -Provides expertise to RPFUs and Community Hospitals with respect to testing facilities available for ancillary testing of biological and non-biological samples as well as expertise with respect to appropriate and safe handling, processing, shipping, storage and disposition of biological and non-biological samples. -Maintenance and organization of all sample storage areas, including but not limited to fridges, freezers and shelves. Includes coordinating maintenance and service of fridges and freezers and the temperature control system. Training of staff regarding the temperature control system as required. -Follows OFPS and Government of Ontario guidelines, policies and procedures, quality assurance practices, health and safety practices and recognized standards of practice for proper laboratory techniques and the proper retrieval, handling, packaging, transport and storage of items; ensuring proper documentation, continuity of evidence and integrity of samples; taking corrective action if improper use of policy/procedures are apparent.

Knowledge :

-Knowledge of OFPS policies, practices and procedures related to the requirements for continuity of evidence, security, identification, handling and preservation of biological and non-biological samples to ensure integrity, continuity and safe handling of samples. -Knowledge of health and safety practices and procedures to ensure safe handling of biological samples and safe laboratory practices to keep self and others safe. -Knowledge of the requirements of the justice system related to handling forensic evidence and exhibits in order to maintain continuity and integrity of evidence by adhering to known procedures and practices for handling samples and testing materials. -Knowledge of appropriate Health Canada requirements for the storage and disposition of drugs including illicit drugs. -Knowledge of forensic pathology practices, medical terminology and ancillary forensic testing in order to correspond with submitting agencies and service providers to provide information, advice and training related to ancillary testing available, submission procedures and acceptability and completeness of evidence samples and to provide training to OFPS clients and others on the role of forensic services at the OFPS. -Knowledge of basic science principles to ensure appropriate and evidence based experimentation and research. Knowledge includes but is not limited to general scientific method utilizing hypothesis based testing. Knowledge level is a minimum of a BSc in a biological or related science. -Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and use of basic laboratory equipment for the purpose of undertaking research activities as required. Includes but is not limited to knowledge of preparation of reagents, standards, controls and samples for research activities; proper operation of equipment including but not limited to pipettes (glass, micropipette, calibrated), balances, pH meters, centrifuges and DNA extraction robotics. -Knowledge of key computer software packages and programmes including but not limited to internet search (Explorer), CIS, PIMS, Online reference databases (e.g. PUBMED) and ministry related software packages such as WIN, Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Access to locate and retrieve information, maintain records and prepare a variety of documents including written documents, graphs, charts, presentations, etc as required. - Basic knowledge and experience with DNA extraction techniques would be an asset.

Skills :

-Analytical and evaluation skills to conduct evidence based, hypothesis driven research; to determine work priorities amongst conflicting demands based on knowledge and issues discussed with manager; to research and assess information from various sources to provide pertinent background material to manager and pathologists (e.g. obtaining statistics, research information); to determine extent of information provided to inquiries ensuring confidentiality; and to assess acceptability and completeness of submitted samples. -Analytical and problem solving skills to identify and resolve issues with samples, experimental approach or instrumentation in order to ensure reliable experimental results. -Organization skills are essential to ensure effective and efficient processing, transport, storage and disposition of all biological and non-biological samples. Essential that samples can be retrieved easily when required for additional testing or for disposition. Organizational and prioritization skills are also required to ensure appropriate management of multiple daily duties and to accomplish tasks within deadlines and established time frames. -Attention to detail is critical to ensure proper continuity of all biological and non-biological samples including those associated with the criminal justice system and for effective and accurate record management. -Oral and written communication skills to respond to questions from various individuals (e.g. coroners, pathologists and other medical professionals, police, lawyers, students, etc.); to prepare analysis and reports to manager and pathologists related to service provision, research and training and to give evidence in court as required. -Interpersonal skills to be able to work efficiently and independently and/or as part of a team and to deal courteously and clearly with callers when responding to inquiries. -Laboratory skills including but not limited to preparation of solutions; measurement; preparation of samples, operation of laboratory instrumentation to perform research activities as required.

Freedom of Action :

-Freedom to work through problems independently but has access to manager to resolve complex problems, which arise. -Works in accordance with relevant organization policies, procedures and guidelines, as well legislation from within the Coroner's Act. -Failure to follow the continuity of evidence procedures, losing and/or misplacing samples or inaccurate record keeping may have a large negative impact on the criminal justice system. -Work is reviewed periodically for accuracy of content. -Unusual or uncommon samples, inappropriate case related documentation or complex research issues will be brought to the attention of the Manager of Forensic Services or pathologist as required