Laboratory Scientist

Role Responsibilities

As part of the toxicology laboratory that provides testing results to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the Laboratory Scientist ensures the quality standards of the OCME toxicology laboratory are met through: 

• the implementation and application of the toxicology laboratory quality assurance (QA) program and effective quality control activities. 
• the maintenance of laboratory technology and equipment; and 
• the effective guidance supervision of nine (9) toxicology staff in accordance with Government of Alberta established principles and procedures.  

As the first point of contact in the laboratory, as the Laboratory Scientist, you will ensure analytical toxicology method troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, method development/validation testing, and the preparation (and maintenance) of quality control material. You will ensure the laboratory maintains its forensic toxicology laboratory accreditation status via the implementation and application of the laboratory quality assurance program (including quality control activities), and the maintenance of toxicology laboratory quality assurance program, including review of analytical data.

You will develop state-of-the art analytical techniques that are fit for application within a forensic workplace, and present them to Senior Leadership for approval, as well as work to implement them. You may also develop, validate, and process the analyses of biological samples and/or drug paraphernalia, and provide professional reports to the Deputy Chief/Chief Toxicologist. You may also complete peer reviews on behalf of the Deputy Chief Toxicologist.

 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

•  Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, manage resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment. 
• Drive for Results: Knowing what outcomes are important and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization, while maintaining accountability to each other and external stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving: Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in a science discipline (e.g.: Chemistry, Analytical Toxicology or Toxicology) and 5 years progressively responsible related experience including a minimum of 3 years’ experience in Analytical Chemistry; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalencies may be considered:

• Master’s Degree in a science discipline, (e.g.: Chemistry, Analytical Toxicology or Toxicology) plus seven (7) years related experience including a minimum of three (3) years in Analytical Chemistry.
• University graduation in a science discipline (e.g.: Chemistry, Analytical Toxicology or Toxicology), plus nine (9) years related experience including a minimum of three (3) years in Analytical Chemistry.

Required:

• Please outline how your experience relates to the qualifications in detail in your cover letter.  Applications without a cover letter, will not be considered. 
• First-hand experience of analyzing drugs or related compounds in biological specimens using LC-MS/MS, LC-QTOF (or TOF) and GC-MS/MS techniques.
• Method development experience with focus on innovative concept design and application in a laboratory setting.
• Experience in software and operating systems for a laboratory's analytical equipment. It is expected to be demonstrated in your resume or cover letter. 
• Experience maintaining analytical toxicology instrumentation, and knowledgeably engaging in advanced troubleshooting issues with equipment service engineers.

Assets:

• Skilled experience in conducting advanced toxicology analyses of postmortem specimens.
• Toxicology knowledge, including casework interpretation skills and experience.

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.
 

Notes

Hours of work:  Monday – Friday, 8:15 am - 4:30 pm (36.25/week)

Positions Currently available: One (1) permanent position

Location: Medical Examiner Building, 7007 – 116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5R8.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

What we offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Leadership and mentorship programs
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.