This is advanced scientific work with supervisory responsibility in the complex analyses of body tissues and fluids as well as non-biological specimens to determine the presence and identity of drugs, poisons and other toxic materials, performed in the laboratory of the county Medical Examiner or other county toxicology laboratory.

Employees in this class are responsible for the supervision of toxicologists and other subordinate laboratory assistants engaged in conducting qualitative and quantitative laboratory examinations using chemical, physical chemical, and instrumental chemical analyses. Employees in this class also supervise the development of new and improved methods of isolating and identifying toxic chemical agents using complex analytical techniques, and manage laboratory operations in the absence of the laboratory supervisor. Emphasis of the work is on interpreting the results of laboratory findings and presenting results of the findings in a court of law as an expert witness. Work is performed with considerable independence of action and is subject to review by technical and medical superiors who evaluate work results through conference and discussions of laboratory findings.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises professional and technical personnel engaged in laboratory work including qualitative and quantitative analysis, sample preservation, preparation, and identification, as well as supervising members of the support staff.

Supervises the acquisition, recording, processing, and analyses of specimens obtained during an autopsy, and of specimens obtained from hospitals, law enforcement agencies or other authorized sources, and assures that laboratory findings are reported to those requesting agencies promptly and accurately.

Coordinates cases with investigating agencies, the crime laboratory, prosecuting and defense attorneys and the courts.

Reviews all laboratory reports and data before release.

Testifies in court as an expert witness.

Supervises and participates in the development of new and improved methods of analyses.

Supervises the development and preparation of bid specifications for instrument purchasing.

Maintains laboratory safety guidelines.

Maintains laboratory conditions of compliance with applicable state and Federal laws.

Supervises, maintains and evaluates laboratory participation in proficiency and testing programs.

Consults directly with Medical Examiners regarding interpretation of toxicological findings.

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 extractions, liquid-solid extractions, UV/Visible spectrophotometry, colorimetry, gas-liquid chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, radioimmunoassay, enzyme multiplied immunoassay and thin-layer chromatography.

Supervises and evaluates records of quality control as well as preparing laboratory guidelines for quality assurance.

Assists superiors with the preparation of budgets, improvement requests, and proposals relating to the daily operation of the laboratory; reviews computer reports and recommends changes.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

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

Extensive knowledge of poisons and drugs, their origins, properties, physiologic and pharmacologic responses, lethal doses, proper antidotes and their metabolic fate.

Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of instruments and methods used in the collection and analyses of toxicologic evidence.

Thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence as they apply to the preservation of toxicological specimens.

Considerable knowledge of police practices and procedures applicable to forensic medicine, toxicology and pathology.

Thorough knowledge of the Florida rules and regulations regarding state laboratory and personnel licensure.

Considerable knowledge of the handling and analysis of corrosive materials, and contaminated and diseased biological specimens.

Knowledge of county personnel rules, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of electronic data processing and its application to laboratory management.

Ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and technical employees in a manner conducive to the maintenance of high technical standards, efficiency and performance.

Ability to supervise and participate in research and development projects in the field of forensic toxicology.

Ability to present court testimony clearly and concisely.

REV. 5-86