Toxicology Technologist

Role Responsibilities

Conduct toxicology analysis to detect, identify and accurately quantify alcohol, drugs and other toxins in biological (ante-mortem and/or post-mortem) samples and occasionally drug paraphernalia material for the purpose of determining their direct and indirect involvement in fatalities under investigation.

Position Overview:

• Extract and purify drugs and other toxins from blood, tissues and paraphernalia.
• Identify and quantify drugs, drug metabolites and other toxins by interpreting liquid and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry chromatograms.
• Accurately prepare analytical standards and controls
• Perform mathematical calculations and construct calibration graphs.
• Perform routine maintenance on specialized equipment.
• Adhere to Health & Safety regulations by safely performing all duties and handling all chemicals and equipment, as required.

The successful candidate will:

• Have extensive knowledge and experience in the use of LC-MS and GC-MS techniques for the quantification of drugs in biological specimens.
• Have knowledge and experience in quality control procedures and safe handling of potentially infectious biological specimens.
• Possess good communication skills (both verbal and written) and be able to liaise with engineers when required.
• Be meticulous and pay careful attention to maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Be able to manage a heavy workload.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Qualifications

Two (2) year technical diploma (e.g.: Chemistry, Microbiology) and a minimum 4 years related post graduate experience working in a busy medical (or similar) laboratory is required.  

Equivalencies may be considered:
Degree with a minimum of 4 years in a busy medical laboratory. Master’s with a minimum of 4 years in a busy medical laboratory. 

Required:

• Experience in extraction and purifying drug and other toxins from blood, tissues, and paraphernalia. 
• Experience identifying and quantifying drugs, drug metabolites and other toxins by interpreting liquid and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry chromatograms.
• Experience in routine maintenance on specialized laboratory equipment. 
• Experience adhering to Health and Safety regulations required in a laboratory setting performing all duties and handling chemicals and equipment. 

Assets:

• A technical diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology.
• A technical diploma in Biological Sciences. 

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.
 

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.

• Systems Thinking – Observes and understands the larger impact of the role on the organization and anticipates change. 
• Agility – Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks and identifies alternative approaches and supports others to do the same.
• Drive for Results – Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives of the branch. 
• Build Collaborative Environments – Facilitates open communication and leverages team skills and knowledge of others. 
   

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.