Forensic Scientist, Toxicology

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The Centre of Forensic Sciences, Northern Regional Laboratory is part of one of the most extensive forensic science facilities in North America. The Centre provides support in the administration of justice and public safety programs for the citizens of Ontario by conducting scientific examinations and interpretations, presenting independent objective expert testimony to the courts and other tribunals in Ontario and undertaking research and development to extend the scope and quality of forensic science services. The Centre also prepares and presents educational programs and materials on forensic sciences.

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About the job

The Centre's Northern Regional Lab is located in Sault Ste. Marie, a thriving community of 75,000 situated on the banks of the St. Mary's River less than an hour away from provincial parks and the unspoiled coastlines of Lakes Huron and Superior and with direct air links to Toronto, Ottawa and a number of northern Ontario cities.

The Toxicology Section seeks (1) experienced scientist to:
• examine body tissues and fluids for the presence of drugs and poisons, perform complex analyses using modern instrumentation including Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)
• write interpretative reports summarizing the findings in forensic cases
• travel throughout Ontario to give opinion evidence in courts of law
• participate in research and development projects and client education
• mentor and educate junior staff
• have the ability to travel into remote locations

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• you hold an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in majors such as pharmacology, toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry or equivalent

Technical Knowledge and Skills

You have:
• proven theoretical and practical knowledge of pharmacology, toxicology, analytical chemistry and laboratory techniques
• demonstrated experience in a scientific laboratory with skills in the operation of analytical and general laboratory instrumentation deployed in analysis of drugs and toxins
• knowledge of quality assurance practices
• knowledge of universal precautions with respect to the handling of post-mortem and ante-mortem body tissues and fluids as well as familiarity with international standards of laboratory accreditation

Other Essential Skills:

• demonstrated ability to present complex scientific information and opinion evidence for the purposes of medico-legal proceedings in both oral and written formats
• proven oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with clients, and work in a team environment
• demonstrated ability to supervise and manage research projects to facilitate the implementation of new technologies, introduction of new methods and to prepare scientific research papers for presentation and publication

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Additional information:

Note:

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory criminal reference check prior to the commencement of employment.

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.