This is complex scientific work with some supervisory responsibility in performing analyses of body tissues and fluids to determine the presence of toxic materials in specimens received in the laboratory of the county Medical Examiner or other country toxicology laboratory.

Employees in this class apply advanced laboratory techniques in performing quantitative and qualitative chemical, physical chemical, and instrumental chemical analyses. Incumbents are required to perform the more complex analyses of organic and inorganic compounds, often involving experimentation and the use of specialized techniques of analysis and synthesis. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate laboratory staff through assignment and review of work and providing technical assistance and guidance on more complex analyses and instrumentation. Supervision is received from the laboratory supervisor who reviews work through conferences, written reports, and observations of laboratory examinations and court presentations.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises or performs chemical and physical chemical tests and analyses of unknown substances using spectrophotometric, colorimetric, chromatographic, mass spectrometric, immunoassay and related laboratory techniques.

Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of urine, blood, ocular fluid, stomach contents, bile, and other tissues for the presence and quantity of drugs, poisons, and various chemicals and their metabolites.

Utilizes techniques including liquid-liquid extraction, liquid-solid extraction, UV/Visible spectrophotometry, colorimetry, gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, radioimmunoassay, plied immunoassay, and thin-layer chromatography. Prepares laboratory reports of findings for use in a court of record.

Testifies in legal proceedings as an expert witness on toxicological findings.

Assists in research experiments and the development of new methods and procedures used in forensic toxicology.

Supervises instrument maintenance and calibration.

Supervises, maintains and evaluates records of quality control.

Supervises, maintains and evaluates analytical methods development and provides guidance to subordinates in refining analytical skills.

Provides expert interpretation and evaluation of toxicological requests and data.

Assists supervisory staff in evaluating and preparing specifications for instrumentation purchasing.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and methodology of analytical toxicology.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the instruments used in analytical toxicology.

Considerable knowledge of the rules of evidence as they relate to the preservation of toxicological specimens.

Considerable knowledge of the handing and analyses of corrosive materials and of contaminated and diseased biological specimens.

Considerable knowledge of analytical Chemistry, Toxicology, Mathematics, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physics.

Considerable knowledge of the investigative techniques, laboratory controls and sampling theory used in chemical research, experimentation, analysis and synthesis.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of electronic data processing and its application to laboratory recordkeeping, reporting and management summaries.

Ability to plan and assign the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to the maintenance of high technical standards and efficiency.

Ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge with accuracy and professional judgment in the completion of laboratory tests and examinations.

Ability to conduct research under the direction of a laboratory supervisor.

Ability to prepare and submit accurate and complete reports of laboratory findings, and to effectively verbalize results.

Skill in laboratory manipulative techniques and the operation of complex laboratory equipment.

REV. 5-86