Toxicology Forensic Scientist; DOH​/SLD

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

• $26.57 - $39.86 Hourly
• $55,273 - $82,909 Annually
• This position is a Pay Band C7

This position performs forensic analysis of biological samples in criminal investigations within an accredited laboratory. The role includes testing for the presence of drugs and poisons in evidential blood and urine samples collected during driving while intoxicated (DWI) and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) investigations. It also involves technical review of other analysts' testing results and providing factual/expert testimony in a court of law when needed.

Forensic Scientist I employees analyze complex data and test biological samples to identify drugs/toxins and their metabolites. They also analyze results, create formal reports, help develop new analytical methods, and provide factual/expert testimony in courts of law.

New Mexico law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Medical Investigator, and citizens of the State of New Mexico.

• Factual and/or expert testimony experience in a court of law.
• Two years of analytical chemistry experience within a forensic toxicology laboratory.
• Experience operating gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and associated software programs.
• Conducted tests for the presence of drugs and poisons.

• DNA Analysts: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology from an accredited college or university and completion of nine (9) credit hours of coursework in any combination of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, including coursework in statistics or population genetics.
• Chemists: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Biology or Forensic Science that includes a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of chemistry coursework.
• Latent Print and Firearm Forensic Scientists: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or an Associates' degree plus two (2) years of additional laboratory experience, or four (4) years of additional laboratory experience can substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

• Position is designated safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre‑employment and random testing in accordance with all federal and state law regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
• In-state and out-of-state travel may be required.
• Successful completion of HIPAA is required.

• Laboratory with biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards.
• Use of all applicable safety equipment and adherence to safety precautions.
• Extended standing, repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies utilized.
• Work involves high voltage electronic instrumentation, and high‑pressure gas cylinders.
• Ability to lift/push up to 50 lbs.

Sheila Martinez, HR  Email

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.