Would you like to be part of a team involved in conducting highly specialized forensic examinations and analyses? Ontario's Centre of Forensic Sciences is one of the most extensive forensic science facilities in North America. Working out of the state-of-the-art
Forensic Services and Coroners Complex , you will participate in conducting scientific investigations in cases involving injury or death in unusual circumstances and in crimes against persons or property.
About the job
The Centre of Forensic Sciences - Chemistry Section is seeking an experienced technologist to participate in the examination of a wide variety of trace evidence materials such as fire debris, glass, metals, explosives, fibres, paint, and chemical unknowns.
You will work in a team environment and:
• Collect trace evidence from clothing and other items
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses using modern instrumentation such as: gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS); liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Glass Refractive Index Measurement (GRIM)
• Summarize and interpret data and produce analytical reports
• Perform instrument maintenance, and method validation
• Share responsibility for maintenance of the laboratory
• Assist in developmental projects
• Provide testimony in a court of law, when required
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• Ability to work with small samples (manual dexterity)
• Ability to discriminate items on the basis of colour
Technical Knowledge and Experience
You have:
• Knowledge of physical, life, or forensic sciences, or related discipline
• Knowledge of laboratory practices and techniques and scientific theories in such disciplines as analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry
• You are able to operate, maintain, calibrate, and validate instrumentation used in a Forensic Chemistry laboratory such as LC-MS, Raman, FTIR, XRD, GRIM, GC-MS and/or related technologies used for the analysis and testing of a wide range of trace evidence materials
• Knowledge in data processing from analytical instrumentation
• Knowledge of and ability to apply laboratory quality assurance practices, health and safety regulations, and standard laboratory protocols and policies
• Knowledge of safe handling of biological samples and compressed gases
• Knowledge of evidence handling practices to ensure preservation and meet court requirements
Communication (oral and written) and Interpersonal Skills
• You have written communication skills in order to draft data findings, observation notes, operational procedures for new equipment
• You can work effectively in a team environment as well as communicate on a one-on-one basis with staff at all levels
• You have the ability to show a concern for a good working environment and for the overall productivity of the team
• You are able to provide testimony in court of law relating to laboratory procedures, and protocols
Research, Analytical, and Problem-Solving Skills
• You can troubleshoot problems with laboratory equipment
• You are able to analyze preliminary test results to conduct quality assurance processes, confirm findings, and ensure reliability
• You can participate in internal research of new instrumentation and validation of methods
• You can perform daily monitoring and checking of assigned laboratory equipment to ensure appropriate calibration
Organizational and Time Management Skills
• You can keep accurate work records and work independently under minimal supervision